Lloyd Is No Longer Wants To Do It Gotti's Way

After 5 years as a mainstay on Irv Gotti’s The Inc., R&B singer Lloyd has declared his time with the former powerhouse label has “run its course.” Although he released his third LP in August 2008, the young crooner feels his career has become stagnant in the wake of The Inc’s separation from parent label Universal Records.

“I’m ready for a change,” Lloyd said. “There’s no bad blood. I just feel I need to take more control over my career and get a fresh start. Hopefully Irv can understand my position.”

Lloyd’s announcement comes just one month following the departure of Inc first lady Ashanti, who was granted a contract release after years of distancing herself from the beleaguered label’s legal and professional conflicts. While his own situation plays out, Lloyd is moving forward with a new mixtape to build anticipation for his fourth studio album.

“We have plans to get in the studio with Jim Jonsin, The Runners, Cool & Dre, Rodney Jerkins, and others,” Lloyd detailed. “In the future, I still hope to work with Irv as a producer as well.”

Lloyd’s manager Henry “Noonie” Lee framed his client’s decision as an essential business necessity to prevent any further career monotony. “We find ourselves in limbo for the second time in three years,” Lee told AllHipHop.com in a statement. It’s frustrating to know that opportunities to advance Lloyd’s career are out there but we can’t exploit them due to our current situation. Even though Lloyd is appreciative of the opportunity that has been afforded him by The Inc, he feels it’s time for him to move on and seek opportunities that will allow him to build and enhance his brand.”

At press time, Inc CEO Irv Gotti could not be reached for comment.

Bow Wow Wants Out!

Seems like everybody is jumping ship these days. Or could it be the fact that technology coupled with this friggin recession is finally taking its toll on folks pockets? I don't know ya'll. Bow Wow is the latest rapper to cry uncle in regards to getting out from under their label.

Even after he said that he was officially retiring from the music game (I swear I'm not the only one who wishes he was seriouis about that idea), he went out and got his behind on his favorite speaking board, namely YouTube, and made a plea to the folks over at Columbia to let him out of his contract.

“Number one, Columbia has been messin’ up since 2004-2005,” he explained. “I think Columbia’s problem is that they don’t know how to work with rappers…I’m really the only rapper on that label…My labelmates consist of John Legend who they work extremely well with, Beyonce who they work extremely well with, but when it comes to rappers they’re not really a rap label, they don’t get it.”

Bow even took a stab at the Memphis boys Three 6 Mafia "They got Three 6 Mafia, but when is the last time that Three 6 Mafia have put out a successful album? You can’t really blame the artists because the label is the energy.”

Freeway Signs With Weezy

Well... He's done it again folks. Lil Wayne is busy fillin up the roster over at Cash Money. His latest signee: Freeway. Ya'll know Freeway... he did that joint with Jay-Z... "Heeey Big Spender!" I love that joint.

Anyways, the Philadelphia son is ready to get down wit da get down over with the Cash Money boys. Although he was signed with Def Jam, I'm assuming that since Jay is gone now, he needs a bit more stability. This might pan out to be a good look for Freeway. He's got the talent, but you don't ever hear about no major pub. for him. I think Weezy knows how to handle this.

Omarion Signs to Young Money Ent.

I'm not much of a twitter fan, especially when I can just text all the people that I need to talk to, but lately, Twitter has become the speaking board for celebs who want to make their status known to fans worldwide. Next on the mic is former B2K leader Omarion Grandberry.

last night, Omarion twitted his new status of being the latest artist signed to Lil Wayne's 'Young Money Ent'. The news broke after singer/actor Tyrese congratulated the 24-year-old singer on his newly inked deal.

"Congrats on Omarion signing his new deal to Young Money! This is gonna be a big year for you! Younng mula babyy!" twitted the Baby Boy actor on Saturday (May 30).

Omarion responded to Tyrese's message by thanking him and everyone for their ongoing support and then saying:

"Thanks 4 all the love yall!! Young Money! Omarion!! You will believe and see God's power!! I'm so humble I can't wait 2 give ya'll the new me," the Grammy-Award nominated singer responded.

Within the last year or so, Omarion had supposedly signed with Timbaland music label 'Mosley Music Group' but that fell through, but no one has spoken or heard any news on this. As you all know, Face Off was the last album that Omarion did and that was with Bow Wow, so this should be a nice start to an impending great relationship... as long as Baby don't get his hands anywhere near this project. Omarion joins musics latest sensation Drake, on the Young Money team. By the looks of this squad, the girls and the courgars will be lining up for miles and miles.... sans I!!!

Killer Mike The Latest Grand Hustle Hustler?

I've heard rumors for a while now that T.I. had been somewhat "courting", if you will, fellow ATLien rapper Killer Mike. It now seems as if all those so called rumors are coming to fruition with the confirmation from Mike that he is in the final stages of negotiating a partnership between his Grind Time imprint and T.I.’s Atlanta-based Grand Hustle Entertainment, he wants to reassure fans that this is by no means a sign that he has abandoned the independent scene.

On the contrary, he expects his new situation, which should be finalized in early 2009, to make him a greater asset to thriving Atlanta scene, which has supported him over the years. Killer Mike’s confirmation comes just days after T.I. shared the pending agreement with MTV. Though the full details are still being ironed out, Mike explained that the new arrangement, which he sees as a direct result of his close relationship with T.I. and the work he has put in since going independent in 2007, puts him in the best position to further his career ambitions.

Yeah... well... I like Mike and all, but dude... you've been on the scene for how many years here in the A and yes, everybody knows your name but dammit... if you didn't blow the hell up with THE biggest rap group to come out of Atlanta (Outkast), then why would this time be any different? Which means what??? You need to change somethin homie! Figure it out!

Let The Rumors Fly: Young Buck Headed To The ATL???

Soooooooo, I'm hereing that G-Unit "member" (I use the quotes because we all know the deal) Young Buck is working steadfastedly at trying to get out of his contract with 50 Cent. Ya'll know that 50 is like Diddy when it comes to these contracts and his money being effected; It ain't goin down if it don't benefit G-Unit in some way, shape, or form. So anyways, from what's being said, Buck and his new management team are looking to the ATL mega fam of T.I.'s Grand Hustle as their new home! Buck would be a good fit with them if you ask me. Perfect to be exact! Let's just roll them dice and see what happens on this one!

Lil Mo Signs New Deal

Great news for the Lil Mo fans out there. The R&B singer/songwriter Lil' Mo has signed a two album deal with Global Music Group.

Born in New York, Mo's hit single Superwoman Pt. II, from her debut album Based On A True Story, quickly became a chart topper. Her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Meet The Girl Next Door, released in 2003, and collaborations such as Hot Boyz with Missy Elliott, Parking Lot Pimpin with Jay-Z, Put It On Me with Ja Rule, and most recently Cry with LL Cool J on his Exit 13 album, has established Lil' Mo as an R&B sensation.

"We are honoured to have Lil' Mo as the newest member of our Family here at GMG." said Roland Turner, CEO of Global Music Group.

In 2002, Lil' Mo found success as a radio personality. On Baltimore's WXYV, she hosted the market's highest-rated afternoon drive radio show. Her credits also included guest-hosting for a variety of New York disc jockeys. Now Mo has decided to return to her first love, singing.

The former Elektra Records songstress will release her new album in 2009.

Cassidy Signed To Carmelo Anthony Label

Things have taken a turn for the better for Philly rapper Cassidy as he has just inked a deal with Carmelo Anthony's Krossover Entertainment. Yes... Carmelo is trying his hand at the music mogul biz like er'body else. According to Allhiphop.com, Anthony's label will be diving head first into the game with Cassidy's release and the debut album of hip hop newcomer Berg.

Berg's album, "Language Arts", is said to feature appearances by Rick Ross, Cool & Dre, Jadakiss, Gorilla Zoe, Raheem Devaughn, and Cassidy as part of the rapper's Running Mates crew.

"Krossover Entertainment is positioned to experience immediate growth in the mainstream entertainment industry by assembling a high powered team of management professionals and industry tastemakers," Anthony said to in a recent interview about the label. At press time, there was no release date for either of the forthcoming projects.

Terrence Howard Reacts To News Of Being Replaced

Terrence Howard has spoken out publicly for the first time since learning his part in “Iron Man 2” had been recast. Last week, Marvel Studios announced through The Hollywood Reporter, that the Hustle and Flow actor would be replaced with fellow actor Don Cheadle.

In a new interview with National Public Radio, Howard admitted he was shocked when he heard the studio had replaced him with Don Cheadle in the sequel to “Iron Man.”

“It was the surprise of a lifetime,” Howard told NPR.

Cheadle will step into the role of Jim Rhodes in the follow up to the summer blockbuster, starring Robert Downey Jr. The decision to go another way with the character, who later becomes fellow armored superhero War Machine, was reportedly based on financial differences between Howard and the studio. But according to Terrence, that news is definitely new news to him.

“I read something in the trades implicating that it was about money or something, but apparently the contracts that we write and sign aren’t worth the paper that they’re printed on, sometimes,” Howard continued in his interview with NPR. “Promises aren’t kept, and good faith negotiations aren’t always held up… The contract just… up and vanished.” Howard stated.

Lil Kim Sued For Trying To Flee Contract

Lil Kim can't catch a break with these lawsuits lately. First the publishing company that she was supposed to write a book for sues her and now this. Lil' Kim is now being sued by Brookland Media, which is owned by super producers The Trackmasters, Tone and Poke.

The company is suing Kim for $2 million claiming that she attempted to get out of her contract with them and also that she breached the one year agreement that they had by asking for a deal that would pay her more and give her access to more amenities to work with.

According to the lawsuit, Kim refused to perform unless Brookland agrees to a number of requests, including demands to have Wyclef and Akon added as producers. In addition to withholding a $200,000 payment to fully free Kim from her contract with Atlantic Records, Brookland won an injunction, temporarily preventing Lil' Kim from negotiating with other record labels. Brookland also claims it invested another $250,000 dollars towards the album and Lil' Kim's career.

Big Boi Joins Grand Hustle Management Team

Grand Hustle Entertainment President and CEO Jason Geter has entered into a new agreement to manage the solo career of Atlanta rapper Big Boi.

The new situation, which was made official last week, will see Geter and the Grand Hustle Management staff overseeing the branding of Big Boi, as he continues to pursue opportunities beyond his success with Outkast.

“Our first plan of action is to identify Big Boi’s next hit record and get him on the road,” Geter said. “He’s so big. But we feel what’s going to get him where he’s trying to be is to get back to the grassroots level and let him interact with those fans that grew up on Outkast and are eagerly waiting to see what Big Boi has to offer on his own.”

The announcement comes as Geter and the Grand Hustle family prepare for the release of two highly anticipated albums: T.I.’s sixth studio album Paper Trail and Big Kuntry’s long awaited debut My Time To Eat.

In celebration of the two releases, the Atlanta-based label will present the first annual Grand Hustle Takeover weekend, offering fans a variety of events during which they can share in the celebration with the label’s entire roster, which includes Young Dro, Alfamega, Eightball & MJG, Mac Boney, B.O.B., Xtaci, and comedian Lil’ Duval.

Included in the weekend’s festivities will be a Comedy Show on September 26; a Teen Skate Jam at Cascade Family Skate on Saturday (Sep 27); and an Untouchables-themed private birthday celebration for T.I., with music provided by DJ Khaled, DJ Drama and DJ MLK later that evening.

On Sunday (Sep 28), T.I. and Jason Geter will be joined by Warner Music Group Executive Vice-President Kevin Liles hosting a brunch to bring awareness to the It’s Cool To Be Smart mentoring program, of which T.I. has been a great supporter.

The Grand Hustle Takeover weekend will conclude with an Official Pre-Release Party on Sunday night at the Velvet Room.

T.I. and Geter are also gearing up for the launch of their new clothing line, A.K.O.O., which is set to hit retail stores nationwide in November.

The new line, an acronym for A King Of Oneself, represents T.I.’s multi-faceted styled clothes, that can go from casual to business to formal effortlessly, Geter said.

“Hip-Hop is a lifestyle,” Geter tells. “This is our culture. Music is just one aspect of what we do, but clothing is something that’s important to us. And since we have an entrepreneurial spirit, launching our own line was only a natural progression.

“We didn’t just wake up and decide to do it though,” he adds. “We’ve spent the last year traveling to places like Milan and Paris, visiting factories and educating ourselves.”

The first promotional campaign for A.K.O.O. was recently shot in Atlanta.

The ads feature T.I. alongside producers Jim Jonsin and Drumma Boi, singer/songwriters Sean Garrett and Tha Dream, and Grand Hustle’s latest client, Big Boi.

The ads will start to appear in print magazines in October.

Geter hopes to expand the next round of advertising for A.K.O.O. to include celebrities outside of the world of music.

Lil Wayne Re-Ups With Cash Money

Lil Wayne has re-signed his contract with Cash Money Records for an undisclosed number of albums.

Cash Money has been Wayne's home since he started his rap career back in his early teens. In addition to being its biggest recording artist, Wayne also serves as Cash Money's president. On the side, he runs his own independent imprint, Young Money.

Aside from Wayne, the label's other most recognizable name, Mack Maine, has appeared on numerous Cash Money-sanctioned mixtapes as well as the remix of Lil Wayne's current single, "Got Money" featuring T-Pain.

Wayne's most recent album, "Tha Carter III," is the top seller of 2008 at 2.4 million copies in the United States.