RZA Tells Dutch Singer Suing Him For Royalties To Kick Rocks
Michael 'Blue' Williams' 'Guns For Greatness' Buyback Event Snags 115 Firearms
RZA is basically telling the Dutch singer who is suing him to kick rocks. Late last year, Thea Van Siejaen filed a lawsuit alleging that the rapper, producer, actor and movie director owed her a significant amount of money in royalties and other payments. Van Siejaen's soulful vocal were featured on a number of songs on the RZA's Digi Snacks solo album and The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai Resurrection soundtrack. She is reportedly suing for 14 songs (claiming that she co-wrote them), including RZA's "Baby Boy" from the Jet Li film's Unleashed soundtrack. TMZ reports that the RZA believes that Van Siejaen has already received all the money she was due. According to paperwork the Wu-Tang Clan's Abbot filed, he claims that Van Siejaen was a work-for-hire and not a songwriter on any of the music she appeared on. Thus, what she was already paid is all she is entitled to. Also, RZA claims that he never promised Van Siejaen royalties or any additional payments for her work. At the time of the lawsuit's initial filing, one of the producer's reps said the situation was 'a groundless lawsuit by someone RZA had helped get off the streets, lent a helping hand to, and now thinks he's an easy target to mark looking for money.' Bong bong.
The world of Hip-Hop and comic books are more intertwined than you may know. Ghostface Killah, who also goes by the moniker Tony Starks otherwise know as Ironman, comes from the era where DC and Marvel reigned supreme, and has in turn prepped a comic to accompany the release of his forthcoming Twelve Reasons To Die project. Until now, fans have been so excited about his recent collaborative offerings with producer Adrian Younge, that many forgot about the other portion of the release. Today, we receive a sneak peak at
The RZA is no stranger to being in front of Hollywood's cinematic lens. After appearing in 'The Man With the Iron Fists," and Showtime's "Californication", the frontman for the Wu-Tang Clan will...
"Shaolin Soul Selection: Volume 1" presents 24 original recordings - nearly 2 1/2 hours of essential soul music available for digital download - from the vaults of STAX Records and its subsidiary labels. These are the labels that inspired The RZA and the Wu-Tang classic sound. Get the sampler for FREE now. The full jawn will be available later (March 19, 2013).
RZA Sued By Dutch Singer Thea Van Siejaen For Unpaid Royalties
Dr. Dre Opened Companies In Ireland To Escape Higher Tax Bracket
RZA is getting sued, and this time it isn't by one of his fellow Wu-Tang Clan group members. Dutch singer Thea Van Siejaen alleges that the music producer and movie director failed to pay her a significant amount of money.
TMZ reports that Van Siejaen has filed a lawsuit for not getting her fair share of money for co-writing songs and singing for work she did for Bobby Digital from 2004 to 2011. According to Van Siejaen, she didn't demand the money sooner for fear of being blackballed in the industry by RZA.
Now she is asking that the court order RZA to pay royalties she feels she is due. Van Siejaen's soulful vocal performances were featured on a number of song on the RZA's Digi Snacks solo album and The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai Resurrection soundtrack. She is suing over a total of of 11 songs, including RZA's 'Baby Boy' from the Jet Li film's Unleashed soundtrack. RZA's reps told TMZ, 'Unfortunately this is a groundless lawsuit by someone RZA had helped get off the streets, lent a helping hand to, and now thinks he's an easy target to mark looking for money.'
Photos: TMZ
Dr. Dre doesn't want to end up on the ever-growing list of rap stars busted for not paying their taxes, so he's taken his business ventures to Ireland. The Good Doctor, who was named Forbes' highest paid musician of the year thanks to his Beats By Dre empire, has launched a few business in the UK to avoid giving Uncle Sam too much of his ends.
Dre has reportedly opened three companies in an area known as Clonkailty, County Cork, in search of tax refuge.
From the Irish Examiner: The three businesses each share their address with O'Mahony Donnelly accountants, run by husband and wife Michael O'Mahony and Ann Donnelly. Mr O'Mahony said helping clients like Dr Dre had become one of their niche markets. 'Since I established O'Mahony Donnelly here in 2000 we've worked with a number of multinational corporations to get them set up in Ireland. This has become a great niche for our firm.'
According to O'Mahony several companies have high tailed it across the pond. 'We are active in a network of international business advisers that brings us clients looking to do business here. We like the challenges and diversity this niche brings to our firm.'
Although he would not mention Dre specifically, O'Mahony acknowledged doing the same work for similar companies. 'We set up limited companies, provide company secretarial services including providing a registered company address, as well as other accountancy and business advisory services. The low corporate tax rate is a big factor in attracting companies to set up in Ireland, but there are many other reasons. Ireland is the only country in the eurozone with English as a primary language and we are still known to have a great workforce, top quality of life and business environment.' With a net worth well above$200 million, it's no wonder Dre's trying to hold onto as much of his money as possible.
Photos: rsvlts.com
Wu-Tang Clan has always been for the children, but at least one of its members is for the students, too. The Genius/GZA has teamed with Columbia University professor Christopher Emdin to create Science Genius BATTLES, a program that uses Hip-Hop to teach science in New York City schools. Last night (December 12th), GZA spoke to a crowd of educators and students assembled at
Wu-Tang frontman, actor, & movie director The RZA let this joint fly onto the web the other day. I like this version better than the one used on the "Man With The Iron Fists" soundtrack. Sounds way more soulful. Check out RZA in the video below speaking on the makings of the song as he provides more insight as to why there is an alternate version.
RZA is 'on Cloud 11′ speaking on his new movie "The Man With the Iron Fists." Directing and starring in it... incredible responsibilities and power to make a lifelong dream come true. Watching Kung Fu flicks since a pre-teen, RZA finally got a chance to make one happen. But to master the art, he had to study with a Master. As he tells Carson Daly on 'Last Call' RZA became the willing student of Master filmmaker Quentin Tarantino! Watch as RZA schools Carson on martial arts films and more in the video clip above.
Cee Lo Green's Accuser Says He Secretly Gave Her Ecstasy, Had S-x With Her
Ice Cube & Kevin Hart Lock In Release Date For Action Comedy Ride Along
Details of the s-xual battery charges that an LA woman has hurled at Cee Lo Green are beginning to be revealed. According to the still unnamed woman, the R&B singer/rapper secretly gave her ecstasy in downtown LA restaurant before she blacked out and woke up naked in a room Green.
TMZ reports that the woman secretly taped a conversation with Green that confirms her story. She contends that Cee Lo gave her a drink, and the next thing she remembers is waking up butt naked in a room with the Atlanta native. The woman allegedly went straight to the authorities after the incident and LAPD detectives had her call Green and secretly record their discussion to see if he would confirmwhat happened. Allegedly Green was apologetic and referenced using ecstasy and not knowing it would effect her the way it did.
However, the Goodie Mob rapper denies these claims.
Various sources are also giving conflicting accounts about whether or not the accuser went to her lawyer before going to the police and if her lawyer reached out to Green's management demanding money to quietly resolve this matter.
LA police will refer the case to the DA once their investigation is over.
This story might not be going away for a while.
Ice Cube and Kevin Hart's police comedy Ride Along has received a release date. The project will open over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, in 2014.
Described by the Hollywood Reporter as a 'comedic Training Day,' the flick will be produced by the West Coast rapper, his Cube Vision partner, Matt Alvarez, Larry Brezner and William Packer. The film centers around an uptight second-grade teacher who must partake in a ride-along with his future brother in-law, before marrying his girlfriend. The teacher, played by Hart, has to prove his loyalty to his soon-to-be-wife's by making it through a one-night assignment with the overprotective brother, played by Cube.
Comedian John Leguizamo, model-turned-actress, Tika Sumpter, and Jay Pharoah of Saturday Night Live fame are also in the movie.
Tim Story, who Cube worked with on Barbershop, will direct the film. Some of Story's recent project include, Think Like A Man, which grossed over $100 million domestically. Universal Pictures has acquired the film which is due out Jan. 17, 2014. As of now, Ride Along is the only film slated to premiere during the holiday.
Cube made an early jump into the film world, grabbing his first role- in the Jon Singleton-film Boyz N the Hood -back in 1991. In the years since he's acted in more than two dozen motion pictures.
After years of planning, and months of promotion, RZA's feature film directorial debut, The Man With The Iron Fists is in theaters NOW! The movie stars himself, Lucy Liu and Russell Crowe, and should be a fun ride for kung-fu movie fans as it contains many blatant and subtle odes to classic movies like Enter The Dragon, Five Deadly Venoms and Ninja Scroll, to name a few. The late Bruce Lee's influence was par
Snoop a.k.a. "Nemo Hoes" keeps his GGN News Network going strong with the special guests & this time he's interviewing Wu-Tang Clan frontman/ Hollywood actor & now director The RZA about his new movie 'The Man With The Iron Fists' that opens in theaters this Friday November 2nd. RZA & Snoop pass each other 'The Greenery" while RZA speaks on just how much he had to invest in terms of time & money just to get himself prepared for this movie & also provided a few behind the scenes stories in the making of the film. Not only does the movie feature several quality actors, but it does appear to be visually stunning. Looking forward to it this weekend.
RZA is touring the country right now promoting his new movie "The Man With The Iron Fists" which releases on November 2nd. During each stop, RZA is performing along with Wu's own U-God and in ATL there was a special appearance by Boy Jones (O.D.B.'s son).
During the event which took place at Vinyl, there was also opening acts which included ATL's own Clan Destined, Kosha Dillz, and Supernatural. Super does what he does best... Freestyling about items people in the crowd are holding up. U-God ran through some solo album cuts as well as his verses on classic Wu bangers such Winter Warz, Triumph, etc. RZA jumped on stage last, pouring champagne on the crowd before passing the bottle throughout the audience. Like U-God he ran through some of classic Wu verses as well as Gravediggaz and Bobby Digital tracks. All in all it was a dope event, glad I got a chance to check it out.
Uncle Luke Says He Hasn't Been Paid For 'Pop That' [VIDEO]
Public Enemy, N.W.A Among Several Nominees For Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame Induction
French Montana scored his first #1 single with 'Pop That,' featuring Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne a few weeks ago. However, it looks like the rapper that they sample hasn't been compensated for it yet. Uncle Luke got up with MTV News this past weekend at the BET Hip- Hop Awards and said that there's no check in his pocket yet for 'Pop That.'
'When I heard the song I said, 'Oh this is a hit,' and the next thing I said is, 'Where's my check?' Luke told MTV News.
'Ain't nobody told me about my check yet. I have not gotten the check yet, so I'm looking for the check,' he said, adding that he would track down French's boss to sort it all out. "I'm gonna talk to Diddy in the back about it.'
Looks like they'll get it worked out sooner than later, as Uncle Luke would join French Montana and Diddy on stage for a performance of "Pop That" at the BET Hip-Hop Awards.
The 25-year (and still going) existence of seminal rap crew Public Enemy and their relevancy in today's crowded market serves as a testament to front man Chuck D's insistence to keep up with current trends and not fading away. Although not as sonically linked, pioneering rap quintet of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, the late Eazy-E, MC Ren and DJ Yella-collectively known as N***az With Attitudes (N.W.A) - has maintained legendary status although the group has long been defunct. Just today, the two groups were announced as nominees for the coveted Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame inductions reports New York Daily News.
Joining PE and N.W.A on the nominees list is the late Donna Summer, who passed away this past May after a long bout with lung cancer. Summer's disco contemporaries, Chic, were also nominated and have the distinction of holding the record for most Hall Of Fame rejections at seven; Summer herself has been rejected five times prior but may be inducted posthumously. Both Public Enemy and N.W.A's legacies are intact, as the groups helped to propel Hip-Hop internationally in the mid-1980s. Public Enemy made their splash in 1987 with their debut album Yo! Bum Rush The Show and injected a raw and frenetic energy to the rap landscape. Chuck D's distinctive and booming baritone still sends chills, even at 52 years of age.
N.W.A began their reign on the charts in 1988 with the groundbreaking Straight Outta Compton album. Releasing only two LPs as group, the crew disbanded in 1991 over infighting and money issues. Dr. Dre and Ice Cube would go on to have stellar solo careers while Eazy-E and MC Ren never quite hit the heights their former band members achieved. The inductees will be announced sometime in early December. The 28th Annual Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony is slated to take place on April 18, 2013. Best of luck and congratulations to Public Enemy and N.W.A!
Shyne Credits Himself With Saving Jennifer Lopez From Being Killed [LISTEN]
Mystikal is a man with a back up plan. Now that's he's out of jail, he's decided to give this music thing another go, but if it doesn't work out, there's another profession in his future.
The Louisiana native told TMZ that in his quest to maintain a steady cash flow, he has decided to transition into the adult film industry, to make ends meet. If given the opportunity, he'd like a chance with dirty flick star Pinky. 'She's a bad b-tch,' he raved. 'I would take her down in a second.'
Choosing to work in said arena allows Mystikal to follow in the footsteps of Snoop Dogg, and most recently Tyga, who is not only directing an adult film, but launched an accompanying website.
Ironically s-x movies should be the last thing Mystikal is interested in, given his criminal record. The 42-year-old served six years in prison for s-xual battery, stemming from an incident with a hairstylist in which he forced her to perform a s-x act.
After his long prison bid, Mystikal went back to jail stemming from a domestic abuse case. He repented for his actions stating that he was 'ashamed.'
No word yet on when his album will drop.
The 1999 club shooting that ended with Shyne being sent to jail for 10-year bid, also spared the precious life of Jennifer Lopez-so says the former Bad Boy rapper.
Speaking to Charlotte's WGIV 103.3, the 33-year-old explained that had things happened differently, Lopez wouldn't be here. 'I was thugging and bugging that night, ya dig? I was actually the best behaved because I don't drink and I don't smoke,' he said. 'I'm from the streets so when it's time for my hammer to go off... somebody was getting ready to pop ol' boy's head off... It might not have been no Jennifer Lopez movies or none of that, if I didn't pull my ratchet and squeeze off.'
Humble man that he is, Shyne made it clear that Lopez wasn't the only person he saved. 'I saved all of our lives cuz them kids from Brooklyn don't play,' he explained, of the discrepancy with club goers that led up to the violent outbreak.
Even with his well-publicized issues with Diddy, who was seen as sacrificing his former artist's freedom in order to ensure his own, more than a decade later Shyne has no problem owning up to his faults. 'I squeezed off that's my responsibility. No way, no how do I ever say what he did or he didn't do, I aint see him do nothing, as far as I know he didn't do nothing. That's not my responsibility, my responsibility is what I did. "But you can't be my man and we in a situation together and you gon' call a witness to testify against me so you could get out the situation.'
Diddy has been ordered to pay $850,000 of his own money to the victims hurt in the New Years Eve altercation. Meanwhile Shyne is getting back to the music, revealing both his Gangland mixtape cover art, and plans to release a new album next year.
RZA stays busy. The Wu-Tang Clan's Abbott announces that he will be heading on the 'Iron Fists' Tour during the month of October. According to Prefix, starting in New York City on October 3rd and conclu
Juvenile Pleads 'Not Guilty' To Hotel Brawl In Miami
Rohan Marley Explains Why He Split From Lauryn Hill, Says He Couldn't Accept 'Certain Things'
Shortly after reuniting with his Hot Boyz partner, Lil Wayne, last month at LIV night club in Miami, Juvenile was arrested for disorderly conduct during a brawl that occurred at the hotel soon after the performance. Juve, real name Terius Gray, plead "not guilty" to disorderly conduct after his arrest last month, following a brawl at a Miami hotel according to TMZ. He was arrested for his alleged involvement in a fight that began inside LIV nightclub and spilled outside to the front of the hotel.
Security tell police that were on site that the people involved in the fight were "creating a threat to life and property as well as the overall safety of the patrons inside."
Juvenile maintains that Lil Wayne, nor any of his entourage, were involved in the fracas outside of LIV Nightclub. Check out Juvenile's mugshot.
Rohan Marley is opening up about his relationship with Lauryn Hill, and why things didn't work out. The son of Bob Marley and Hill were together for several years and share five children, but last year things got awkward. The couple split, on the heels of the news that Hill was pregnant, with another man's baby.
In an interview with the UK publication The Voice, he explained why things didn't work out. 'As a man, there are certain things I don't accept,' he said. 'And it just so happened that I didn't accept certain things [in the relationship]. It doesn't mean she's a bad person, or I'm a bad person, it just didn't work out.'
It appears that both parties have moved forward in separate directions, as Marley is engaged to Brazilian model, Isabeli Fontana, and Hill may or may not be involved with the father of her youngest child. '[Our relationship] is good as in …in terms of being a mother and father to our children, it's good. It's not as perfect as one might want it to be. It's just the way the road went.' Fed-up with the rumors behind the end of the relationship Hill released a statement denying allegations of cheating and abandonment.
Ghostface Killah appears on a new version of G.O.O.D. Music's 'New God Flow' and crafting a collaborative album with Sheek Louch called Wu-Block, but he is still ready to drop a solo album in the fall.
Tony Starks will be releasing his latest project 12 Reasons to Die on November 20th through fellow Wu-Tang member, RZA's newly launched Soul Temple Records. RZA will serve as the LP's executive producer, while producer Adrian Younge (the mind behind the soundtrack for the movie and television show, Black Dynamite) will create the album's music.
In typical Pretty Toney fashion, Ghost will release an accompanying comic book with the project. The is the second comic book for the iconic Wu-Tang Clan member and will follow a month after the album's release. Check out the flier announcing the album and comic book.
Method Man ft. Freddie Gibbs & Streetlife - 'Built For This'
Afrika Bambaataa Plans To Create National Museum of Hip-Hop In the Bronx
It's been quite a while since we heard from new music from Method Man, but he is back with an assist from Freddie Gibbs of CTE and Streetlife for 'Built For This.' This song will appear on the soundtrack for the movie starring and produced by the mighty RZA, The Man With The Iron Fists. This record is produced by Frank Dukes. The Man With The Iron Fists will hit theaters this fall on November 2nd. The M-E-T-H-O-D Man comes correct on 'Built For This' and the Gary, Indiana native, Gangsta Gibbs, talks that gritty street talk that's made him an underground favorite. The Baby Face Killa project is hitting the streets very soon and is hosted by DJ Drama. Hit the jump to get a listen to 'Built For This.'
According to Vintage Vinyl News, Afrika Bambaataa plans to create the National Museum of Hip-Hop at the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx. With the legendary DJ and activist's history as a conduit of Hip-Hop culture, his plans to bring a museum to the very same Bronx streets from which the culture originated should come as no surprise. While Bambaataa, a Bronx native himself, has already signed a letter of intent to create the museum, its future is predicated on a winning bid from the Youngwood and Associates developers, who happen to be just one of a long list of developers hoping to attain the property. Bambaataa intends to hash out his plans with Bronx borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., with hopes of furthering the progress of the project. The Universal Zulu Nation member also cites the support of the Hip-Hop community as a potential X-factor in raising awareness for the museum. Fans awaiting the outcome of the bidding war will have to be patient, as the winner will not be announced until the end of the year by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. With stiff competition like a potential ice center with nine skating rinks, hopefully Hip-Hop will come recognize the importance of supporting something that will preserve our rich culture
Method Man's New Crystal Meth LP Entirely Produced By RZA, Promises New Music
J Dilla Gets Vinyl Toy In His Likeness
The Wu-Tang Clan's 20-year existence is staggering. Even today, the multifaceted crew commands the attention of Hip-Hop fans the world over. Method Man, the first breakout star from the Staten Island and Brooklyn- based unit, still has one of the most potent flows on the planet and promises he'll keep delivering quality music, if the people want it. Mr. Meth sat down with AllHipHop to talk about his upcoming fifth solo record Crystal Meth alongside The RZA, his work with Redman with the well-received Blackout series and showing a little edge towards rap critics who slept on his skills.
'Me and RZA are gonna work together on my next LP Crystal Meth,' said Method Man. 'I'm looking forward to getting back in the studio with the kid. We just came off a Wu tour and the camaraderie was still there so I know the chemistry is gonna be there when we go in the studio.' Method wasn't firm on a timeline for release but did say he's working hard on recording.
Method Man isn't chasing fame at this stage of his career, already proving he can make hits and rock stages. 'As far as mainstream goes, I'm not concerned too tough with that. I've been there, done that,' said Meth. 'If it's still fans out there listening, I'm definitely coming with some sh-t for you.'
Along with Crystal Meth, the Shaolin swordsman is linking back up with Redman for a third Blackout album and got a bit testy at the lack of support the record got from his fellow rap luminaries. 'A lot of people slept on Blackout 2. Blackout 2 was dope,' Meth stated plainly. 'I did my thing on that album.'
The late J Dilla died way too soon six years ago at the age of 32. Nevertheless, the storied producer's legacy lives on via his music, the adoration of an ever growing fanbase and now, a vinyl toy made in his likeness. The J Dilla Foundation is releasing the Phil Young Song designed figurine made to look like the indelible James Yancey.
The detailing on the figurine is pretty thorough. Dilla sports a Detroit Tigers fitted, a tee that says 'Dilla Changed My Life,' a chain with a donut charm, a pair of Nike Dunks and an MPC at his side. It better be an Akai MPC60, for those that know. The sure to be a collector's item will be available later this year. A posthumous album called Rebirth of Detroit, was released this past June.
The 'Pitbull In A Skirt,' Eve made her big return to the stage this past weekend at the 'SummerJam for old folks' also known as, the Essence Festival. The bombshell performed many of her Ruff Ryders hits including 'Love Is Blind,' and 'Who's That Girl.' She also performed her final hit single 'Tambourine,' which came out close to ten years ago.
Eve spoke with TIME last week and said that she blames Interscope Records for the hault in her career. The last time we heard from her was in 2002 with the release of EVE-olution, but she is getting ready to return in 2012 with LipLock. Hit the jump to see her return to the stage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
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