Jury selection began Monday in Tampa, Florida for the retrial of Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton who faces up to life in prison for federal drug trafficking charges.
Banton, 37, whose hit songs include “Champion” and “Boom Bye Bye,” claims he was set up by a man while trying to impress the confidential informant who claimed that he could help Banton’s career.
Continue reading “Reggae star Buju Banton faces life in prison”
A Rikers prison guard claims she was fired after being falsely accused of sneaking a peek at rapper Lil Wayne, reports the NY Daily News.
“I don’t even like rap,” said Amelia Negron, 33. “I like rock and alternative music and didn’t know much about him when they said I tried to see him. None of it’s true.
“The door to the area was unlocked, and so I went in to say hello, and that officer said, ‘Hey, you can’t be here. We’ve got a celeb here.’ I said, ‘Okay, no problem,’ turned around and left,” Negron said about the March 10th incident.
Negron plans to file a federal suit, claiming she was the victim of discrimination and harassment.
R&B singer Jaheim was charged with marijuana possession after being pulled over for speeding in his hometown of Hillsborough, New Jersey, reports The Messenger-Gazette newspaper. Here’s the excerpt:
Jaheim Hoagland, 32, of Hillsborough was pulled over near Royce Brook Golf Course on March 28 for allegedly traveling 65 mph in a 35 mph zone and was then charged with possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle. Hillsborough Police reported that they could smell a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Hoagland gave police consent to search his vehicle after yelling at authorities, police said. During the search, Hillsborough Police allegedly noticed a small bud of marijuana underneath the driver’s seat. Police said they also observed several cigar wrappers, cigar shaving and cigar paper, which is consistent with marijuana use. Hoagland was also charged with speeding.
Janet Jackson, her brothers Randy and Jermaine and their parents were at a Los Angeles courthouse Monday for the hearing of Dr. Conrad Murray. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of Michael Jackson. At the hearing, the judge postponed a decision on Dr. Murray’s medical license in the state of California.
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Erykah Badu was charged with disorderly conduct for filming her “Window Seat” video, where she removes her clothing while walking in downtown Dallas. She eventually is nude in front of Dealey Plaza where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. Check an earlier Suite 411 post of the video here.
Badu appeared on The Wanda Sykes Show this weekend and discussed the video. Check out Sykes hilarious parody named “Middle Seat” around the 3:36 mark.
Former Death Row boss Suge Knight and his entourage allegedly beat and robbed rapper Yukmouth of $92,000 worth of jewelry Monday night at at a Ralph’s supermarket in the San Fernando Valley. According to TMZ.com, there is also a previous misdemeanor warrant for Knight’s arrest.
R&B singer D’Angelo released a statement through his manager Lindsay Guion about his arrest Saturday for allegedly offering an undercover policewoman $40 for oral sex.
“We know there is a lot of speculation in regard to the arrest of D’Angelo in New York City this past weekend. We would like his fans and the public at large to know that D’Angelo has pled not guilty—and is contesting the allegations made against him. Also know that, he is in good health and extremely excited about his forthcoming new album.
D’Angelo would like to personally thank all of his fans for the outpouring of concern, and appreciates if all would allow the American justice system to resolve the matter before jumping to any conclusions.”
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New Orleans rapper Mystikal was released from prison Thursday after serving a six-year prison sentence for sexual assault and battery. Born Michael Lawrence Tyler, the rapper was accused of forcing his hair stylist (who he believed stole $80,000 in checks from him) to perform sexual acts while his two bodyguards videotaped it.
Known for chart-topping hits in 2000 and 2001 such as “Shake It Fast” and “Danger (Been So Long),” Mystikal conducted a phone interview with New Orleans’ radio station Q93 FM soon after his release.
“I’m back! I’m still tryin’ to feel this reality. It still almost feels like a dream,” he said. “Six years off the scene, for most rappers it’d be over with. Man, it’s gon’ be the beginning for me and I’m finna get my reparations.”
To hear the complete interview… Continue reading “Rapper Mystikal released from prison”
Teddy Riley, producer and member of R&B groups Guy and Blackstreet is accused of beating his daughters with a Rock Band video game guitar, reports TMZ.com. His 18-year-old daughter Taja Riley was granted a temporary restraining order that requires him to stay 100 yards away from her. She also claims that she suffered several injuries when the 43-year-old musical artist began “stomping, punching and bashing them in his L.A.home on December 23.”
Rapper T.I. was released Tuesday morning from a Forrest City, Ark. prison, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After serving seven months, the rapper whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., will serve the rest of his one year and one day sentence in a correctional center near Fulton County Airport in Atlanta.