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Bryan Michael Cox: LOVEmusic Interview By Njai Joszor | Posted On: 12/21/08

Bryan Michael Cox

When you think of R&B music in the new millennium there is one man that automatically comes to mind – Bryan Michael Cox. Rising from Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, all places the songwriter, producer and artist can or has called home, Bryan Michael Cox has become one of the most pivotal and successful gems in not only R&B but in Hip Hop, Pop and Soul. Penning and producing hits for the likes of Usher, Amerie, Jagged Edge, Toni Braxton and even the late Aaliyah, Bryan Michael Cox sat down with Singersroom recently to discuss his journey and very bright future that includes stepping up to the mic.

Speaking candidly about relationships in the industry and several upcoming projects including Monica’s highly anticipated album “Lessons Learned,” R&B group Day26’s sophomore effort and a chance to give back to the community like never before, Bryan Michael Cox - B. Cox for short- dives into the business of “LOVEmusic.”

Singersroom: Things really picked up for you with R&B group Ideal in 1999; the year you received a credit on the hit single “Get Gone” (Ideal’s best charting single). Where were you when that happened and what was it like to have that record come out?

Bryan Michael Cox: I moved to Atlanta in 97' and I was at a company called Noontime where I produced “Get Gone.” I started working with Jermaine Dupri right after I made the record and we were doing Jagged Edge’s “Jagged” (album) and watching videos on BET or something and the video came on and Jermaine was like “wow, who did that song? I like that” and I said I produced that song. He said “no you didn’t” and I said “yeah I did” and we went back and forth. For the next two weeks it was all on the radio. It was overwhelming and I didn’t quite understand how it worked. I didn’t really know that Virgin Records had a strong play on promotions like that so next thing I knew the record was in the top five on the R&B charts. Then it was number two and next thing I knew Jagged Edge’s single was up there.

It was like a domino effect. I had a lot of records stacked up that were ready to come out. Ideal came out. Jagged Edge came out when I was working with Jermaine and then Mariah, Usher and then I did Toni Braxton, Aaliyah...all of sudden all these records started coming out just back to back. It was like a whirlwind really. I wasn’t that prepared for it.

Singersroom: Having a hand in many heart felt ballads like “Burn,” “Since You’ve Been Gone,” “U Got It Bad” and “Walked Out of Heaven,” where would you say your inspiration comes from? How are you able to emphasize the story that needs to be told in less than five minutes?

Bryan Michael Cox: Most of the time the record comes from a conversation with the artist. Whether it is a conversation I need to have or they need to have. I would say writing a song is like therapy. You can look at any great songwriter, a lot of times their initial love for the art came from their own anguish or pain, for me that is where it starts. I like to get into the mind of the artist. When I’m working with an artist I sit down and ask them questions and from these conversations it takes off.

Singersroom: In today’s volatile and competitive market where every album seems to be a do-or-die situation, how do you deal with the pressure of being the producer that is responsible for making that hit....in some cases the record that saves or makes someone’s career?

Bryan Michael Cox: I don’t think about the pressure. I find that when you think too hard, you think wrong and that pressurizes the situation. I’m a God fearing man so I believe that all gifts come from him. Going into each session with the faith that through conversation, through us learning about each other these songs will happen.

I’m always trying to grow. I’m always looking to learn. That is the key. At the end of the day you have to be the person you are no matter how far, no matter how big you get, or how bright your star shines. You have to be in a constant state of learning and searching for new things. I think there are some producers who are too successful. When they reach a certain peak they don’t care anymore.

Singersroom: Speaking of learning and inspiration, which song or experience with an artist has been the most memorable for you in terms of it being fun or even life changing experience?

Bryan Michael Cox: I would say working with Aaliyah was extremely memorable. Not because she’s not here anymore but because Aaliyah was just so cool. She was laid back, she wasn’t tense. A lot of artists take it so serious. Aaliyah was just fun with it.

I worked with her around 2000. We were all young; me, her and Johnta (Austin) was really young, it was fun. It was youthful. We talked about a lot of things. I really learned a lot about her. Aaliyah always had something unique about her. Through those sessions I had a chance to learn about her and why she acted the way she acted and why she was so special.

After that of course Mariah is always great. Usher is always great. Mary is like my big sister; she’s beating me up in the studio (laughs). Mary and Monica they are my sisters to the point where I can’t even bring a girl around Monica without her giving her the third degree.

Singersroom: For aspiring producers what would you say is vital in terms of getting in the industry and staying there? What experiences have you gone through that others could avoid?

Bryan Michael Cox: First of all know who you are and know your development as a producer. What I mean by that is a lot of producers tout how hot they are and how they have the best thing,...”they are better than anybody else, they’ll blow your mind.” Once you set those expectations up so high I’m ready to hear the next Timbaland. When you start to hear that you think “he’s setting me up for the okie doke.“ Know where you are in the development of being a producer.

You have to humble yourself. You have to know who you are. That’s the main thing. Everybody’s experience is different. Everybody’s careers will be different. I can’t look at Rodney (Jerkins), Timbaland’s or Polo’s (da Don) career and compare it to my career. Some people will be more successful than others. You have to be happy with who you are and where you are in the business.

Bryan Michael Cox: LOVEmusicSingersroom: Cool and networking is very important as well...

Bryan Michael Cox: Yes. You have to understand that when you network you have to provide a service. Through your networking think about the service you provide and what you can provide.

Singersroom: Now getting to your current projects…

Bryan Michael Cox: I’m executive producing Monica’s album, Amerie’s album, and Jennifer Lopez. I’m also working with a rap artist named Do Boy from Stone Mountain, GA and of course my number one goal is to give back the way that somebody gave to me so I did a publishing deal with Warner Chapel and I’m signing several songwriters and producers like Anna Clark and Kendrick Dean who you’ve seen on several credits with me. I’m really in the business of giving back.

Also I’m trying to fulfill my college professor dreams. I’ve developed a workshop with the School of Audio Engineering and I begin lecturing in January on everything from music production to the music business because I feel like the information is important. It’s important to give information back to people that really get it. I didn’t get a chance to get that when I was coming up.

Singersroom: Great I’ll be on the lookout for that. Speaking of Monica’s upcoming album, how did you approach that project especially with Monica sort of making a comeback?

Bryan Michael Cox: First I wanted to go with how she felt and what she wanted to say. Monica’s been through a lot. People know a little bit about her story but not really the full scope of it. My primary objective was to find out what it was that she wanted to talk about. Then from there create songs that fit with that. So we came up with a bunch of records. The name of the album is “Lessons Learned.” She wanted to talk about what she’s been through, her love life and the business; the ups and downs of it.

Singersroom: Back in the day Brandy and Monica were sort of the touted R&B/Pop queens, much like you have let’s say Rihanna and Beyonce today. Working with Monica, who now has children and a family life, was the experience of producing for her new album a challenge? In effect producing a more mature and more ‘real’, so to speak, selection that reflects her experiences with love, children, and heartbreak and so on?

Bryan Michael Cox: Monica, she’s a mother, a wife and all of that right now and she’s a young woman. She was really open. She didn’t want to make a “oh I’m married and I have to do this” type of album. She still wanted to make a young and fly album.

It didn’t seem challenging. The challenge was really the label for me. Dealing with the label, I never really deal with the labels on this kind of scale.

Singersroom: Was that because of the executive producing role as far as making sure everything is up to their standards?

Bryan Michael Cox: Yes. I love J Records. It’s just two visions clashing with an artist that’s so established. An artist they quite frankly established. So I’m coming in and trying to tell them what they should do with the artist that they’ve had. It’s been an interesting experience for me. I’ve learned a lot from Clive and I’ve learned a lot from this process.

Singersroom: Cool, you were behind a good portion of Day 26's debut album, are you looking forward to working on their sophomore project?

Bryan Michael Cox: Without a shadow of a doubt. Me and Puff are talking about what the game plan is for the album. I was instrumental in picking the guys so I kind of feel like they’re my group too. I’m looking forward to coaching their sound; their new sound.

Singersroom: I had a chance to speak with Kandi Burruss earlier this year and we discussed songwriters and producers sort of stepping up to the mic. For example The-Dream, Sean Garrett and Ryan Leslie. How do you feel about that? Is it good for the industry in terms of giving songwriters and producers more shine than previously received?

Bryan Michael Cox: I think the producer/songwriter/singer has been part of the music business since back in the day. Think of Teddy Riley, Kasheef, D-Train, a producer/singer/songwriter was common in the 80s. Somewhere towards the mid 90s it wasn’t as common. There’s a resurgence of it and it’s incredible because we have something to say too.

A lot of us are or were performers in the beginning and chose to go the songwriter or the production route because it just was more lucrative. You make your money then you can pursue your real dream.

It’s funny because everybody’s making an album Johnta Austin’s making an album, Sean Garrett, Ryan Leslie is incredible; I think he’s a phenomenal talent. I think making an album is great for the game. It makes the artists step up their game. If all the producers started producing only for themselves there would be no artists. Like if you want Kanye (West) to produce a record for you now you gotta be on fire. Kanye made himself a superstar. In order to get a Kanye West beat he’s gotta respect you at this point.

Singersroom: Should we be on the lookout for a Bryan Michael Cox project in the future?

Bryan Michael Cox: I’m doing a record with this band called ‘State of Emergency.’ It was like a science project initially until I heard it was really good. I’m in the process of finishing it right now. It started out as a solo project but its grown into a band with D.Scantz who is an incredible producer in his own right, especially in the rock genre. I actually rely on his ears a lot both in the studio and on the road. I think it’ll be great.

In fact there is a song that you can get right now that I have on my Myspace page [myspace.com/therealbryanmichaelcox]. It’s a song called “All I Want Is You.”

Singersroom: At Singersroom we live by the motto “I Love R&B,” what do you love most about R&B?

I love it because it’s derived from love and God is love. That’s the greatest thing that I can say about R&B. The true essence of R&B is love. Whether you’re talking about love gains; love lost; or however you want to describe it, R&B fits whatever kind of emotion you’re going through. That’s what I appreciate the most about R&B.
www.singersroom.com


---------Videos of the week----
Homeless Man beatbox and human autotune. The dude is jamin'





Old School Flash Back---------

Souljah Boy aka Deandre Way was reportedly robbed along with is friends on Dec. 30 after attending his CD release party by six men.

He is said to be not cooperating with local police which leads me to think either he knows who they guys are and this is a publicity stunt or that he doesn't want to be a snitch.

Either way, with the tanking sales of his new CD, he may want to think about joining the robbing crew cause it looks like his rap career just got robbed as well. Lol...

In addition to that he has reportedly moved out of his estate in the Atl, could it be money problems already?

Jennifer Hudson will not perform at the upcoming inauguration as rumored.

According to Hudson's rep, the rumors, likely due to Hudson's support of the campaign and performance at the Democratic National Convention, are untrue.

"There is no truth to this," she says.

Hudson's first appearance since the tragic deaths of her mother, brother and nephew will be at the Grammy related MusiCares Person of the Year Awards in February.

Personal Blog from the Webmaster.........

We'll say good bye to 2008, a year of tests, trials, sinking econonmy, devistating huricanes, high ass gas prices and music industry failures. It has been a hard ass year to say the least and many have said it has been the worst year ever.

But '08 did have some positives, first it gave us our first ever Black president elect, who in Jan. will become officially our next president. It also brought us a chance to get closer to God because we would have never made it without him, to coin the hit Marvin Sapp song.

Let's all go into 2009 with a fresh outlook on life and know that if you work hard your dreams will come true whatever they are. I am destined to reach my goals this year and nothing will hold me back. I have a new fire within myself, as i am going to just stop trying to do things in my own power and just give it to God.

Say i can say that all of God's blessings will come true this year and beyond in whatever way he chooses to bring them. I will not resist change nor will I hesitate to walk through open doors, where in the past I was slow in doing so.

I pray that you too, will do the same and that this little blog has encouraged you to move forward.

Paid in Full Entertainment.net the place for all of your hiphop news, politics, music and commentary.


Happy New Year!!! Let's Get This Money!!!!!!

979 The Box Carshow Highlights

Z-ro (Part 1)



Z-Ro (Angle 2)



Z-Ro (Part 2)



Z-Ro (Part 3)



Mista Madd



Bun-B



Scarface



Slim Thug & Boss Hogg Outlaws



Chingo Bling



Chamillionair



Paul Wall

Janet Jackson is rumored to be fuming over Beyonce's controversial 'like the Jacksons comment' a few weeks ago.

Beyonce told reporters: "I grew up upper-class. Private school. My dad had a Jaguar. We’re African-American, and we work together as a family, so people assume we’re like the Jacksons."

While the first part of Beyonce's statement was accepted, the "I Am ...Sasha Fierce" singer's final statement ".. I didn’t have parents using me to get out of a bad situation" raised eyebrows and backlash.

According to sources close to Jackson, Janet is furious over the comment and is ready to set Beyonce straight.

"Janet wanted to know why Beyonce had to mention her family," the insider said.

"They're not friends and barely know each other. She feels Beyonce went out of her way to tell the world she's from the upper class and the Jacksons were like a bunch of dirty gutter rats."

"Not only is Janet telling everyone who will listen that Beyonce has a lot of growing up to do and that she needs to stop trying to impress everyone, she's planning to confront Beyonce herself and read her the riot act."

Legendary Singer/Actress Eartha Kitt Dies At Age 81
Published: Friday - December 26, 2008
Words by Miles Bennett

American singer and actress Eartha Kitt, who has captivated audiences for more than 60 years died on Thursday (December 25) at the age of 81.

According to Reuters, Kitt died of colon cancer that was detected and treated two years ago, but recurred recently.

"She came back strongly. She had been performing until two months ago," Andrew Freedman, her long-time friend and publicist, said. "We had dates booked through 2009."

"She was certainly a legendary performer and while I think there may have been many imitations, she was an original," he continued.

During her long career, Kitt won numerous awards, including two Emmys, and was nominated for a Grammy and two Tony awards.

She also enjoyed musical success with such hit songs as "C'est Si Bon," "Let's Do It" and "Just an Old Fashioned Girl." Kitt was also was widely associated with Christmas because of her hit "Santa Baby." The song, recorded in 1953, went gold this year. She received the gold record before she died, Freedman told Reuters.

Eartha had a daughter named Kitt as well

The Charts: Keyshia Cole Earns Best Selling Week Of Her Career, Soulja Boy Disappoints
Published: Thursday - December 25, 2008
Words by BallerStatus News Staff

For the second week in a row, country singer Taylor Swift tops the Billboard 200, despite new releases from Keyshia Cole, Jamie Foxx, Plies, and Soulja Boy.

However, Cole's newest and third album A Different Me lands at no. 3 on this week's charts, selling 322,000 copies, the best sales week of her career to date. Her 2007 album, Just Like You, also debuted at no. 2, but sold just 281,000 units.

Right behind Keyshia Cole is a new one from actor Jamie Foxx. His album, Intuition, scanned 265,000 units to put it at no. 3 during its first week. His previous album, Unpredictable, opened at no. 2 two years ago with 598,000 copies, but rose to no. 1 the following week.

Singer Anthony Hamilton returned to the charts with The Point of It All, selling 133,000 copies to put him at no. 12.

At no. 14 is Florida rapper Plies, and his third album, Da REAList, selling 114,000 copies This is Plies' second album this year. In June, he released Definition of Real, which debuted at no. 2 with 215,000 copies sold.

That's it for the top 20.

Later down the line, Soulja Boy Tell'em opens at a disappointing no. 43 with iSouljaBoyTellEm, despite launching his "Let's Go Platinum In A Week Campaign" in November. The new album sold just 46,000 copies. His 2007 debut, SouljaBoyTellEm.com, began at No. 4 with 117,000, thanks to the runaway success of his hit single "Crank That."

According to Billboard.com, album sales this week are up 33% over last week but down 33% from the same week in 2007, when 25.57 million albums were sold.

Woman sues Michael Jackson for $1 billion
She claims to be birth mother of Blanket; earlier suit was dismissed

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson sang, “Billie Jean is not my lover,” in his massive 1983 hit, but a woman who says she’s Billie Jean Jackson claims otherwise.

According to court documents obtained by Access Hollywood, Billie Jean Jackson, who is believed to be Lavon Powlis, claims she’s married to Michael and is seeking joint custody of his youngest child, 6-year-old Blanket, whose birth name is Prince Michael II. The woman claims she is Blanket’s birth mother.

Billie Jean is suing the singer for 1 billion dollars “in support of Blanket.”
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

This is not Michael’s first encounter with Billie Jean Jackson. According to the Associated Press, in 1987, she filed a $150 million paternity lawsuit against the singer.

She claimed Michael had fathered three of her children and would not pay child support. A rep for the pop singer at the time called the claims “ridiculous and preposterous.” The suit was dismissed (apparently, the kids were not his sons).

In March of 2008, the 60-year-old was arrested by Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies for trespassing on Michael’s Neverland Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley.

In the current lawsuit, the papers state that the complaint is filed “because she always is arrested at the home of her husband, Michael J. Jackson.”

The lawsuit comes in a wave of bizarre and unsettling news for Michael.

According to a report, a Jackson biographer claims Michael needs a lung transplant stemming from a rare genetic disorder, which has led to emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding. He reportedly can barely speak and is nearly blind in his left eye. Jackson's camp has denied these reports.

In addition to his legal and health troubles, the singer continues to relocate. Michael has lived around the world, including the Middle East nation of Bahrain, but now he has reportedly settled again in Southern California, this time in a wealthy Bel-Air neighborhood.

It has been reported that he’s renting a massive seven-bedroom, 13-bathroom mansion for $100,000 dollars a month.

Jamie Foxx cleared up rumors about his relationship with Claudia Jordan while also airing out Terrence Howard and comedian Doug Williams via Angela Yee's Shade 45 Morning Show this week.

Complimenting Yee on her 'face for the front of the camera' look, Foxx went in on Sirius Radio host Claudia Jordan and recent radio personalities he's interview with.

Taking on radio first, Foxx says: "I've been doing a lot of radio stations. A lot of those people. I see why they're on the radio."

Jokes aside, the "Intuition" star quickly made an off the cuff remark about his relationship with Sirius Radio host Claudia Jordan after Yee mentioned Jordan.

"Claudia is very fine and I hit that too. Its all good," Foxx replied.

When Yee responded: "Alright whatever you gotta do to get a job" Foxx went further stating: "I'm just letting ya know. That's exactly why she's hired."

Question answered !

Watch the rest of the interview below where Foxx goes in on Terrence Howard again and reviews his much-talked-about comedic exchange with Doug Williams.

Biographer: Michael Jackson needs lung transplant
NEWSDAY.COM
9:00 AM EST, December 22, 2008

Michael Jackson turned 50, yes 50, on August 29, 2008. Here he's pictured sporting a white glove during a concert at Madison Square Garden in 2001.

Michael Jackson is ailing from a rare lung condition and needs to undergo a transplant, according to the author of a new biography on the King of Pop.

Author Ian Halperin said Jackson, 50, suffers from Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, a condition that can be fatal.

" 'He's had it for years, but it's gotten worse,'" Halperin said in an interview In Touch magazine. `"He needs a lung transplant but may be too weak to go through with it. He also has emphysema and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, which his doctors have had a lot of trouble stopping. It's the bleeding that is the most problematic part. It could kill him.'"

Halperin also said Jackson "can barely speak'" and is having trouble seeing: "The vision in his left eye is 95 percent gone.'"

Jackson's spokesman was unavailable for comment.

LeToya Luckett In A State Of Green, Closes In On Album Release
By Njai Joszor

LeToya Luckett has said she's all about putting hot records on 'Lady Love," her sophomore album. From the looks of it she's all about green too.

LeToya's anticipated album, featuring production from J R Rotem and Timbaland, has been set for March, just after St. Patrick's Day.

As previously reported on Singersroom, "Lady Love," becomes the follow up to Luckett's self titled debut which spawned the hit singles "Torn" and "She Don't".

"Lady Love" is slated to hit stores and online retailers March 24 via Capitol.

AKON PLEADS GUILTY TO TOSSING FAN: Singer avoids jail time in plea bargain entered Wednesday.
(December 18, 2008)


*Singer Akon pleaded guilty to harassment Wednesday for throwing a fan off stage during a concert last year in Fishkill, New York.

Under the plea deal, he will serve no jail time as long he performs 65 hours of community service and pays a $250 fine.

The 35-year-old singer tossed a teenage boy off the stage during a June 2007 concert at Dutchess stadium near Poughkeepsie. Another member of the crowd said she suffered a concussion when the teen landed on her.

Witnesses said a spectator threw an object at Akon during the show. After he asked the crowd to point out the culprit, a security guard picked up a 15-year-old boy and sent him up to the stage. Akon hoisted the teen onto his shoulders and flung him back into the crowd. The incident was caught on several camera phones and was posted on teh Internet.

After the plea, Akon shook hands with Anthony Smith, the now 16-year-old fan, and apologized to him and his parents. The artist would not speak to reporters after the hearing, but Andrea Zellan, his lawyer, issued a written statement saying, "We are pleased that the case has been resolved and Akon looks forward to putting this unfortunate incident behind him."

Akon, born Aliaune Thiam in Senegal, was originally charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment.

Smell Like Burger King With New Body Spray: "FLAME"

Just in time for your Christmas stocking, Burger King has released a limited-edition men's body spray that evokes the smell of freshly broiled Whoppers. According to a press release, "The King is setting hearts ablaze for the holidays with his new scent of choice. FLAME™, a new men's body spray by Burger King Corp., features the scent of seduction with the hint of flame-broiled meat. A favorite of the King, FLAME™ is available for purchase for a limited time at select retailers in-store or online." Because nothing says sexy more than the scent of mass-produced beef patties...ahhh! Your woman will not be able to resist your meat! lol.....



http://www.firemeetsdesire.com/

(December 15, 2008)!

*Essence.com caught up with former TLC singer T-Boz to set the record straight about reports last week that her Atlanta-area home was in foreclosure and headed toward the auction block.

ESSENCE.COM: Well, there have been reports that a Georgia property of yours is going into foreclosure. Is that true?

T-BOZ: No, I'm not homeless. During my last marriage [to Mack 10], I had a bunch of things that were put in my name. If one of those properties is going into foreclosure then I don't know. Although I've been divorced for five years, there are still a lot of things I'm dealing with on getting straight in that regard. All I know is that the house I live in with my daughter is not. When you pull up my name, my real house doesn't show up because it's not in my real name, because I enjoy my privacy and I'm not trying to have people be able to find me that easily.

ESSENCE.COM: There were also reports of you losing a home in Houston?

T-BOZ: I've never owned a home in Houston. I closed a store in Houston, Chase's Closet, where I sold girls and boys clothing from infants to 12 years. The store is named after my daughter, Chase. For now, I only have the online store (chasescloset.com).

ESSENCE.COM: That explains the locale. Did you see the photos they had of you that were allegedly in front of your Houston home begging for donations?

T-BOZ: It's almost a waste of energy to give an explanation, but I'll just say that the [blogosphere] loves to make up things. I remember that photo and it was on Craiglist.com showing me holding up an autographed picture on the internet saying, "If you come to this address with cash we'll give you an autographed picture." The only thing that irritated me was that they said that the proceeds would be donated to St. Jude's [Children's Research Hospital]. I can take people talking about me all day, but don't use my name to make fun of sick children because that's beyond low and sick. I was a sick kid for a long time, in and out of the hospital most of my life battling my sickle cell, so I don't find anything funny about that kind of joking. Why would anyone target innocent sick children to make fun of? That's not cool at all. I mean someone actually took the time to make up all this stuff.

ESSENCE.COM: How do you think the rumor began?

T-BOZ: Honestly, I don't know. Ever since the news that TLC went bankrupt back in the day, I suppose everyone wants to believe that we are all struggling, but we're doing fine. And if it were true, does it really matter? All those things are material. I get that negativity and violence sells, so people just stick to that formula. I'm just trying to live life and raise a little a girl that I was told I couldn't have because of my sickle cell disease. I'm trying to do something that matters and make a difference with diseases. When I think about having my organs fail, my heartbeat stop and then begin again, this stuff is so trivial and I'm shocked that people believe everything they read because so much of it is far-fetched. My friends call me a miracle, and I am because there were so many times I almost didn't make it when I was dealing with my sickness, but I'm doing so much better and I can only thank God.

T-Boz also talks more about motherhood, her 8-year-old daughter Chase Anela, Left Eye and the new man in her life in the full Essence.com interview here.

December 10th, 2008 | Author: Andres Tardio

T.I. has had a successful year but one also filled with a variety of obstacles. 2008, which saw the Atlanta emcee drop one of the most notable albums of the year, will be followed by a trying 2009. T.I. may have to serve time in jail in March.

Regardless of the impending time to be served, T.I. is optimistic about his plans.

"Presumably, while I'm there, I'll be able to strategize my comeback," he said in a recent MTV interview. "All those days will be spent speaking to people who are interested in being in the T.I. business. Preparing myself for the days those doors open, when I put my feet back on the ground of the free world. It's just months of planning. It's just a long time to roll the project out. I ain't gonna just be sitting still doing nothing. The wheels will be turning, just the car ain't going nowhere."

This has not stopped him from working on a new album and a new movie.

"The film I'm producing over at New Line, For Sale, we're trying to put that together, and hopefully we'll be able to do that before March. We're getting offers every day, checking on our availability, on whether or not we'll be able to take advantage of certain opportunities, film-wise."

For Sale isn't the only movie set to be released with T.I. on the screen. Bone Deep will also be hitting theaters soon. Expect that film to be released in 2010, featuring Matt Dillon, Chris Brown and others.

There is a rumored fight that went down in H-Town at a spot called Flyrides, owned by Chamllioaire. Word on the street is that he had a party and CD signing for his latest mixtape called "Mixtape Messiah V." Reportedly several of H-Town’s finest came to support, including some cats from Rap-A-Lot. Well, what happened? Allegedly a fight breaks out between two girls and a spilled drink. Somehow, some way, the fight got to Mike Jones’ lil’ brother, who was allegedly picking people off. Anyway, somebody’s chain and bracelet came undone... Then somebody else, picked it up to get it appraised. When they got it appraised, the jeweler reportedly said that the bracelet was completely fake and the chain/medallion was worth like $1,100. Oooh. Weee Mane!

excerpt from
www.allhiphop.com

Beyonce's 'Cadillac' Records Soft Weekend
By Njai Joszor

Cadillac Records, starring Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, Mos Def and Jeffrey Wright has opened soft at theaters.

According to the 'Box Office Report,' 'Cadillac Records' brought in just $3.5 million over the weekend.

Shown in a small 686 theaters, the film, which centers around the life of iconic singer Etta James, was beat out by 'Four Christmases' which grossed $18.2 million at the box office followed by 'Twilight' (13.2 million) and 'Bolt' (9.7 million).

In a interview with this month's upcoming Giant Magazine, Both Jay-z and Beyonce' answer candid questions about their relationship. Jay is quoted as saying in fun that he is married to Micheal Jackson because of the reportedly 80 milllion that Be' has racked up this year.

Slide On Charts, Beyonce Takes A Tumble
By Njai Joszor

Kanye West earned his third no.1 with "808s & Heartbreak" amongst a week of tumbling sales figures for Ludacris and Beyonce.

According to Nielsen Soundscan/Billboard, Kanye's album sold 450,000 copies in the U.S., his lowest debut on the chart since "The College Dropout" (2004).

This week's second entry, Ludacris' new album "Theater Of The Mind" debuted at no.5 with 213,000 copies, a surprisingly low debut for the 'Disturbing Tha Peace' star. It is also the first time one of the rapper's albums debuted anywhere but No. 1 since 2001's "Word of Mouf".

Beyonce, who released "I Am...Sasha Fierce" last month took a nosedive this week, sliding from 1-4 with 257,000 copies sold.

Next week: Sales totals from Britney Spears "Circus" and Akon's "Freedom" will ring in, followed by albums from Brandy and Musiq Soulchild.

Scarface & Jazze Pha Honor MC Breed At Benefit Concert
Written by Cyrus Langhorne

Last Night, Scarface, Jazze Pha and others united for an MC Breed benefit concert in Michigan.

According to the Flint Journal, the event helped raise money to cover the costs for Breed's funeral and tombstone. Organized by his uncle, Al Breed, the venue also payed homage to the Flint-bred rapper's legacy.

"We wanted him to be recognized," Al told Flint Journal. "He was a great entertainer."

The show was scheduled to run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Purple Moon Nightclub in Flint.

As previously reported, Breed passed away late last month after suffering kidney failure.

The rapper's manager Darryl Morris confirmed his body was discovered lifeless at a friend's residence in Ypsilanti, Michigan on November 22 according to Detroit News,.

In September, Breed collapsed on a basketball court. He was taken to the hospital and put on life support due to kidney problems and was taken off life support days later.

He is known for collaborating with various West Coast rap veterans including Too Short, Warren G and the late Tupac Shakur