Dirty South TV News

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April 14th, 2008

Legendary Guitarist and song writer Sean Costello dies from an overdose at an Atlanta Hotel.
ALL of our hearts and prayers are with Seans family, friends and fans.....

April 13th, 2008
Legendary Drummer (Ted Nugent's former drummer) Cliff Davies dead.
Mr. Davies was found dead at his home with a gunshot wound to his head.

DALLAS, Georgia
Police are investigating the apparent suicide of a former drummer for rocker Ted Nugent.

Corporal Brandon Gurley with the Paulding County Sheriff's department says 59-year-old Clifford Davies was found dead from a gunshot wound in his suburban Atlanta home Sunday. Gurley said Tuesday authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy.

A woman who answered the phone at Davies' home said she wanted to check with her family before commenting.

Reed Beaver, who owns Equametric Studio in Marietta where Davies was a chief engineer, confirmed Davies was a drummer for Nugent and played on the recording of his trademark song "Cat Scratch Fever." Beaver says Davies called him Saturday "extremely distraught" over money for medical bills.

March 19th 2008

Met Opera's `Tristan' Interrupted Again

The Metropolitan Opera's revival of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" can't make it through a performance without turmoil.

For the second straight performance, the opera was interrupted in mid-act, this time because of scenery.

The bedlike part of the raked set Gary Lehman was stretched out on slid at the start of the third act Tuesday night, and the tenor slid into the prompter's box, Met spokesman Brent Ness said.

The opera was stopped while Lehman was examined by a doctor, who cleared him to continue. The performance then resumed.

Trouble with the six-performance run began when tenor Ben Heppner came down with a virus, canceling his first four performances. John Mac Master, his cover singer, replaced him in the March 10 opener and received mostly negative reviews, and Lehman made his Met debut last Friday opposite Deborah Voigt, who sang Isolde.

Voigt felt ill with a stomach ailment during the second act of Friday's performance, which was stopped so she could be replaced by Janice Baird, her cover singer, who made her Met debut.

Robert Dean Smith will make his Met debut as Tristan for Saturday's matinee, which will be telecast in high-definition to theaters worldwide.

Heppner hopes to return for the final two nights, on March 25 and March 28.

http://www.metopera.org

January 25th 2008
UB40 Lead Singer Quits the band after 30 years!

Singer Ali Campbell is leaving the reggae band UB40 after selling tens of millions of records worldwide in a career spanning nearly 30 years, a spokesman for the group said on Friday.

Campbell will quit after performing his last concerts with the band next month in Australia, New Zealand and Uganda.

In separate statements, Campbell blamed "intolerable management difficulties," while the band said the singer was keen to pursue his solo career.

"I have been deeply unhappy with administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years," Campbell said. "Suffice to say I felt I had no other option but to resign from my band.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and has come as a result of a long, painful and agonizing thought process." The remaining members of the group said they were saddened by Campbell's decision.

A statement said: "They have been together for a long time and their relationship as band members and friends is almost like a marriage."

The band was formed in the English Midlands during the economic slump of the late 1970s, taking their name from an official unemployment benefits form.

With their catchy mix of pop and reggae, the band went on to sell an estimated 70 million records, tour the world six times and top the UK singles chart three times.

In 1983, they enjoyed a number one hit around the world, including the United States, with a version of Neil Diamond's song "Red Red Wine."

Other hits include: "I Got You Babe," "Cherry Oh Baby" and "Rat In Mi Kitchen."

The rest of the group will continue to record and perform and no decision has been taken on replacing Campbell.

January 1st, 2008

Todays Birthdays

Grand Master Flash is 50

"Country" Joe McDonald the Rock singer/musician is 66

Steve Ripley the country singer is 58

Brian Flynn the country singer is 42

Jay Z's new Club in Las Vegas-40/40 in the Palazzo Hotel and Casino had it's grand opening. Among the stars there-Beyonce', her sister Solange, Mary J. Blige and Rapper Ne-Yo.

"Weepin" Willy Robinson has passed away, he was 81.

The Ol school Blues singer has performed with many artists through the years, most recently with Steven Tyler and Bonnie Raitt too.

December 30th, 2007

Bo Diddley has a birthday today-he is now 79

Singer/Musician Michael Nesmith is 65 today

Singer Patti Smith is 62 today

Singer Davy Jones is 62 today

Country Singer Suzy Bogguss is 51 today

December 30th, 2007

Tejano singer dies at 91
Lydia Mendoza, an early star of Mexican/American music whose passionate, despairing songs about working class life on both sides of the border made her a trailblaizer for the Tejano genre, has died. She was 91.
Mendoza, whose singing career spanned more than 60 years, died December 20th 2007 of natural causes at Nix Medical Center in San Antonio Texas.
Texas Monthly magazine called her the "greatest Mexican/American performer to ever grace a stage" in a 1999 story that named her "the voice of the century" in Texas.

December 29th, 2007

Billy Joel to debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra
The Piano Man will make his Philadelphia Orchestra debut on January 26th 2008 to celebrate the 151st anniversary of the Academy of Music. The program, led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, will also the Blue Man Group, soprano singer Disella Larusdottir and pianist Conrad Tao. Billy who is now 58 will play a selection of his own songs, and the orchetra will present the world premiere of his classical composition, "Waltz No. 2(Steinway Hall)", in a new orchestra.

December 28th, 2007

James Brown's kids challenge his will
Five of James Brown's children say their late father's will should be invalidated because his former advisers used undue influence to get him to create charitible trusts that the advisers would profit from.
The children were largely left out of the financial portion of the will, which leaves the bulk of the soul singer's money to trusts set up to educate Brown's grandchildren and needy kids.
Atlanta attorney Louis Levenson said the children discovered earlier wills drafted by their father that cast doubt on whether he truly wanted to leave his estate to charity.
James Brown passed away on Christmas Day 2006 of heart failure, he was 73.

December 27th, 2007

Marilyn Manson is single again
Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner will start the new year as a single man. The Goth Rocker's marriage to model and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, whose real name is Heather Sweet officially ended on Thursday, and the two were restored to the status of single persons in Los Angeles. Marilyn and Dita have entered a marital settlement, but the terms of the settlement were not disclosed due to privacy reasons. Von Teese filed divorce papers nearly a year ago, citing irreconilable differences for the split. They were married in November of 2005.

December 22nd, 2007

Lowe's in Birmingham Alabama donates a Christmas Tree to a Family in need-just in the St. Nick of time.

When Lowe's Operations Manager Jacob heard about a local Birmingham Family that still didn't have a Christmas tree and it was already December 22nd, he decided to help make their Christmas a little more complete. When the news hit Jacob, Dirty South TV was there to witness the story and Jacob jumping into action.

With Jacob at the helm, a Team of Lowe's Managers and employees helped pick out the perfect Christmas tree and some lights to complete the perfect Christmas touch for a family that just didn't have money for presents for the 2 boys and a Christmas tree to put them under. The childrens mother decided that the tree would have to be bypassed this year because it was much more important for the children to have a few new pairs of pants for school to help replace some of the old beat up ones that they currently had.

Sometimes people forget the real reason Americans and other Nations celebrate Christmas. It's not about getting the latest X Box 360, Playstation 3 or ipod 8 Gig. It's about being grateful that we have a chance at life itself and the learning of neccesary information to help us continue on our journey to the best of our ability all while we reach out and help a fellow human being when we are able to. Thanks to Jacob, Josh and and everyone else at Lowe's they had a Christmas tree with lights to put some new pants for school under and they will forever be appreciative and thankful to Lowe's and the wonderful heartfelt people that they choose to hire to represent them and what they stand for.

The South has always been known World wide for its "Southern Hospitality", "Southern Charm" and sweet kind people, here in the heart of The Dirty South this Christmas the only thing missing was a gallon of sweat tea. Perhaps Lowe's will start carying sweat tea now too?

Dirty South TV wishes everyone an extra Merry Christmas this year, especially Lowe's. Thank you for letting us capture such a precious moment in time here in The Dirty South.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

December 20th, 2007

Judge Admonishes R. Kelly for Lateness

R. Kelly avoided arrest Thursday by showing up in court, but the judge presiding over his child pornography case said he'll consider revoking the singer's bond despite his excuse: that police made him late.

Judge Vincent Gaughan said he was "very disappointed" that Kelly, in the midst of a concert tour, failed to show up for a scheduled Wednesday appearance.

Kelly attorney Ed Genson explained his client was tardy because police who pulled over his bus in Utah discovered the log book didn't document enough rest for the driver and ordered it stopped for eight hours.

Gaughan admonished the R&B superstar in court anyway, saying he'll decide Friday whether he should revoke Kelly's bond. The Cook County judge also was to set a trial date Friday.

Kelly is in the midst of a prolonged legal fight after prosecutors say he allegedly videotaped sex acts with a teenage girl. He has pleaded not guilty.

Earlier this week, Kelly canceled a scheduled Thursday night show in Minneapolis. He's next scheduled to perform Friday in Chicago, according to the singer's Web site.

For more info go to R. Kelly: http://www.r-kelly.com

December 18th, 2007

Mary J. Blige: 'Growing Pains'
Self-portrait includes the bumps and bruises

R&B
"Growing Pains"
Mary J. Blige. Geffen. 16 tracks.

On her eighth album, Mary J. Blige continues the ascent from Queen of Hip-Hop Soul to the People's R&B Diva. Building on the ardent self-revelation of 2005's "The Breakthrough," a celebration of the artist's hard-won happiness, "Growing Pains" traverses a panoply of desires and dramas that reveal the awkward but unavoidable reality of the album's title.

If finding peace of mind was tough, she's here to tell us, hanging on to it is a real trick. Hats off to Blige for her willingness to train a light on the blatant contradictions that define us, especially in relationships, and particularly in a genre littered with airbrushed emotions.

The album's first two singles are commanding anthems: "Follow me follow me follow me/ Be yourself," she decrees on rousing "Work That." "Keep your head up high/ In yourself believe," she instructs on jubilant "Just Fine." The message is clear: be strong, independent, be yourself. Then in the space it takes to divide two tracks, Blige slips into a needy slow-jam. "I want you to rescue me," she pleads in "Feel Like a Woman." Whoa. What happened to self-determination?

From a less-sincere artist, the sudden switch from empowerment coach to vulnerable lover might feel disingenuous. But revealing her weaknesses is Blige's stock-in-trade, and on these 16 tracks she aimed to paint a 360-degree portrait - bumps and bruises included.

She hired quality help: Among Blige's co-writers and producers are Tricky (of "Umbrella" fame), the Neptunes, the Norwegian hit machine StarGate, Ne-Yo, Andre Harris and Vidal Davis, and Brian-Michael Cox. One of the collaborators recruited from 2005's "Breakthrough" team, Cox is responsible for the new album's weakest links: the numbing sermon "Stay Down" and midtempo throwaway "If You Love Me." Misplaced loyalty may be one of our heroine's flaws, perhaps unintentionally on display here.

Blige infuses sensuality with fierce pride on "Grown Woman," with a guest spot from Ludacris to match, and gets real about romance on "Roses," a stern reminder that "it ain't all candy/ This love stuff is demanding." For levity, she teams up with Usher on "Shake Down," a whimsical come-on. And Blige glows on a clutch of searching songs that are packed into the pensive back end of the album.

"Take one more look/ Past my celebrity/ That's where you'll find the real me/ To you do I still look complete?" she wonders on "Work in Progress (Growing Pains)." She may never get a satisfying answer, a scenario Blige ponders in "Smoke," a luscious, filigreed piano track.

After all the sermonizing and confessions, the idea that we have to learn to live without clarity may be Blige's most arresting, and galvanizing, message. "No one really knows anything about it," she sings on "What Love Is," sounding more determined than confused.

November 30th, 2007

Tony's Sports Bar

Sandy Springs

The Blackheadz

with Special Guest

Legendary Slide Guitarist

Joe McGuinness

(Dirty South TV AND The Girls of The Dirty South WILL be at THIS Event)

November 28th, 2007

Evel Knievel, Kanye West Settle Lawsuit

Evel Knievel and Kanye West have worked it out.

The 69-year-old iconic motorcycle daredevil said he and West met at his Clearwater condo recently. They settled a federal lawsuit over the use of Knievel's trademarked image in a popular West music video.

In this undated photo released by Island Def Jam Music Group, daredevil Robert Craig 'Evil' Knievel and musician Kanye West pose for a photo at Knievel's home in Clearwater, Florida

Knievel sued West and his record company last year. He took issue with a 2006 music video for the song "Touch the Sky," in which the rapper takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and tries to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon.

Knievel failed in his attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho in 1974.

West's attorneys argued the video amounted to satire, covered under the First Amendment.

"We settled the lawsuit amicably," Knievel said Tuesday. "I was very satisfied and so was he."

They agreed not to publicly discuss the terms of the settlement, he said. The two had agreed to mediation in July.

Gabriel Tesoriero, a spokesman for West, confirmed the settlement of the lawsuit, in an e-mail Tuesday.

In the lawsuit, Knievel claimed the "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damaged his reputation. And he accused the 29-year-old rapper of using the Knievel image to "promote his filth to the world."

Meeting West changed his mind, Knievel said.

"I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman," he said.

Knievel also expressed concern for West, who is grieving the sudden death of his mother earlier this month.

"I know he's had some tough times the past few weeks, and I hope things work out," Knievel said.

November 16th, 2007

Best Rock and Roll Lineup in recent years hits Atlanta suburb-Sandy Springs on November 16th, 2007

November 13th, 2007

Promoter boosts R&B with R. Kelly tour

It isn't by coincidence that one of the most anticipated R&B tours this year is starting in Muscogee County.

It's by design of Columbus native son Leonard Rowe.


Atlanta-based concert promoter Leonard Rowe is in talks with the Jackson family, including Michael Jackson, on doing a live show together. 'His brothers are ready; Janet is ready,' Rowe says. He was the promoter behind the 'Off the Wall' tour as well as tours by Janet Jackson and Prince.

The Atlanta based concert promoter got his start there in the business in 1975, promoting a Kool & the Gang show, losing about $10,000.00..

But then came the winners-Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" tour, as well as Janet Jackson and Prince.

The tour, which kicks off Wednesday at the Columbus Civic Center, features singer R. Kelly with local talents Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo and J Holiday. The show comes to Atlanta's Philips Arena on Thursday.

Rowe stepped from behind the scenes to talk about a few things, including promoting the embattled Kelly, why there are so few R&B arena tours, and his meeting with the Jackson family — Michael included — to discuss doing a live show together.

Here he is on ...

The challenges of putting on a show with a headliner facing child pornography charges (Kelly was indicted on 21 counts in June 2002 but has yet to go to trial): "I really try to stay out of the artists' personal lives. I can say that Kelly is a great individual. He has been very cooperative, and is working so hard in Chicago — rehearsing 12, 15 hours a day. His show consists of five segments: It's a two-hour-long show. ... It's going to be something great.

"Do I have any hesitancies about promoting his tour? None whatsoever. I am happy to do it. Happy to be associated with everybody on this show. I have to add that [Kelly] hasn't been convicted of anything as of yet."

The possibility of a Jackson family tour: "His brothers are ready. Janet is ready. But the motor of that car that makes the car run, isn't just yet. ... In April of this year, I flew out to Las Vegas and met with them all and he told me, 'Let's look at '08.' We wanted to go this year, but Michael said it would take a lot of preparation.

"He didn't say 'no.' "

The dearth of R&B arena tours: "The reason there's so few R&B arena tours is there are so few, real, R&B superstars. ... During the time I came up in the industry there were so many-like Diana Ross. Marvin Gaye. Stevie Wonder. The Jackson 5.

"This industry has changed now. They don't build artists like they used to. And it's all about the bottom line. It is more profitable for the industry to take a rap artist and give him $100,000, rent the Rolls-Royce for his videos, and you might just sell 5 million, 8 million albums. Ring tones or whatever. But to build another Janet you have to put money into a producer, money into a video — millions — and these days you're lucky if you sell 4 [million], 5 million."

The dwindling number of peers for black concert promoters: "Black promoters in this country have been shortchanged, discriminated against, forever. They simply haven't been given equal opportunities, like our counterparts. An Alex Cooley, let's say, has been allowed to promote any and all artists with no regards to an artist's race. African-Americans haven't been able to promote white artists. This is something I know the public is not aware of. I know. But if I call the top agencies and ask who's available they'll only tell me about black artists. When Alex used to call and ask what artists were available, the agencies would read down both sides of the roster, black and white.

"That's why I started the Black Promoters Association of America. Sure, we're not in the same place we were. I know it takes awhile for people to change their ways. ... So we're making artists aware, such as R. Kelly, that black promoters cannot work his agency. ... And hopefully they'll respond the way R. Kelly has.

"After all, I still love this business. It's the only business that I know. It's been great to me; given me a decent life. And I'm thankful. ... So yes, I've got to be hopeful about this business too."

The most he's paid an artist to perform a night: "$500,000. That's common these days for your high-profile artists. I'd probably have to pay Michael Jackson a million — but I'm ready. You hear me Michael, we're ready."

November 8th, 2007

$50,000 sneakers!

Big Boi to get first pair

Sneakers are a bona fide fashion accessory, but are you ready to shell out $50,000 for a pair of diamond-studded Nikes?

If you're Big Boi from OutKast, you won't have to. He's getting the pair free, compliments of Atlanta retailers Laced Up Boutique and Priyya and Chintans Diamonds. First of a kind, they say.

Big Boi on Oct. 14, 2007.

Artisans in Mumbai, India, are putting the finishing touches on the sneakers, featuring diamonds studded around the famous swoosh logo.

Diamonds are bedazzling everything from iPods to brassieres, which got Priyya and Chintans owner Rita Patel thinking: "Why not diamonds on sneakers?"

The inspiration hit her while waiting in line for breakfast across the street from Laced Up. Just so happens the upscale shoe boutique caters to hip-hop stars like T.I. and Usher. Owner Ernel Dawkins expects the sneaks will be a big hit with his celebrity clientele.

"People in the entertainment industry aren't afraid to spend big money, and sneakers are becoming like collectibles," Dawkins said.

The customized shoes are Air Force 1's, but a newer hybrid, the "So Cal." Without diamonds, they retail for $225. To add the diamonds, the logo is cast in gold metal and the diamonds are studded in casings held together by a fine gold stitching, Patel said.

"They had to look good, of course, and they had to be comfortable," she said.

"I have never heard of diamonds on sneakers, but it's a natural progression. It speaks to the whole rise of sneaker culture," said Meghan Cleary, host of "Shoe Therapy" on the Home Shopping Network.

The 11-carat sneakers will be unveiled Nov. 27 . A mock-up of the shoes displayed at the recent BET Awards in Atlanta sparked dozens of inquiries.

"In the hip-hop industry, it's all about topping each other," said Patel. "We think it will be well worth it in the long run."

Cleary said the retailers shouldn't sweat their investment.

"I think you're going to see more and more uber-luxury customizations of sneakers," she said. "Sneakers have become such a mode of expression. Next year you'll probably be writing about a $100,000 pair of sneakers."

If only Chuck Taylor were still around-since he started the sneaker craze in the first place.

Ricky Martin Kicks Off Latin Grammys!

Latin music met Sin City glitz Thursday as the Latin Grammy Awards kicked off with a rousing performance by Ricky Martin and the blue-headed musical trio Blue Man Group.

Martin performed a medley of "Lola" and "La Bomba," while Blue Man Group added their signature frenetic dance visuals. It was one of the show's several planned mash-ups of nominees and Las Vegas Strip staples.

Ricky Martin and Blue Man Group perform during the opening act of the 8th annual Latin Grammy Awards telecast in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007.

The Puerto Rican superstar was up for three other trophies. Songwriter Juan Luis Guerra and reggaeton duo Calle 13, also started the night with show-leading nominations.

Mexican band La Quinta Estacion picked up the award for pop album by a duo or group with vocal, while Michael Salgado won the trophy for Norteno album for "En Vivo."

Before the nationalized televised portion of the show, when many of the Latin Recording Academy's 49 trophies were awarded, Venezuelan vocal group Voz Veis landed two Latin Grammys — becoming the first group from their nation to be honored.

Voz Veis took home the awards for short form music video for "Ven A Mi Casa Esta Navidad," and Latin children's album for "Como Se Llega A Belen," a collection of Christmas songs.

"This is an important moment," group member Santiago Castillo said after receiving the first Grammy.

Backstage, Castillo noted the group's album had a "magical energy" from the beginning.

"It was done almost entirely a cappella," he said.

Guerra and his band, 440, won the trophy for the tropical song category for the playful, upbeat "La Llave De Mi Corazon." Those who worked on his album of the same name also picked up the award for best engineered album.

The Dominican-born Guerra, who received the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year award Wednesday night, led all nominees with five nods, including for album of the year, merengue album, record of the year and song of the year.

Close behind on the trophy hunt were Martin and Calle 13, each with four nominations.

Martin was also vying for album of the year and male pop vocal album. "Tu Recuerdo," a ballad off "MTV Unplugged," was a contender for record of the year.

Calle 13 lost its shot at the music video award to Voz Veis, but the Puerto Rican duo's sophomore album, the politically charged "Residente o Visitante," was a contender for album of the year and urban music album.

One track, "Pal Norte," on which the group highlights hardships faced by immigrants trying to enter the U.S. illegally, was up for the urban music song trophy.

Among the other preshow award winners was Sebastian Krys, who picked up the producer of the year trophy, and Brazilian Caetano Veloso, who won in the Brazilian song category for "Nao Me Arrependo."

Several acts were up for more than one award, including Spain's Miguel Bose, Colombian alt-rockers the Aterciopelados and Puerto Rican reggaeton star Daddy Yankee.

Other nominees for album of the year included pop singer Miguel Bose's "Papito" and balladier Alejandro Sanz's "El Tren De Los Momentos."

Among the other contenders for record of the year were a couple of star-powered duets: Shakira and Beyonce's bouncy "Bello Embustero" and Bose and Paulina Rubio's poppy "Nena." Argentine rocker Gustavo Cerati rounded out the category with his garage rock anthem, "La Excepcion."

The show, being held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, marked the first time Las Vegas landed the Latin Grammys. The show was held in New York last year and has previously bounced between Miami and Los Angeles.

Las Vegas' aura as a party town has made it a popular destination for high-profile award shows in recent years. In May, country music stars converged here for the Academy of Country Music awards. Most recently, it played host to the MTV Music Video awards.

The Latin Grammys were taking things a step further. Apart from the Martin-Blue Man Group performance, the telecast was incorporating Vegas showgirls from the long-running Tropicana Resort & Casino's "Folies Bergere," and elements from more contemporary shows such "HavanaNightShow" and "Stomp Out Loud."

The Latin Grammys, scheduled for the third year in a row in Spanish on Univision Network stations, were also slated to feature performances by Bose, Latin hip-hop group Orishas, reggaeton star Ivy Queen and Mexican regional music band Intocable.

November 4th 2007

Hip Hop Summit focuses on financial empowerment

As the financial advisors were introduced, a DJ spun records. Fans rose to their feet. Girls shrieked with joy.

Who would've thought investing tips and credit management could be so sexy?

Rapper Yung Joc sits in on the Hip Hop Summit tour's stop in Atlanta for a panel discussion focusing on financial empowerment.

R&B singer Letoya Luckett poses for a photo with Hurricane Chris (right) and DJ Belly (left) on the red carpet before the start of the Hip Hop Summit tour's stop in Atlanta.

The Hip-Hop Summit's Financial Empowerment Tour hit Atlanta Saturday, pulling off the seemingly impossible. On a warm, sunny afternoon, about 1,000 people â€” most of them young â€” packed Morris Brown College's gymnasium to attend a seminar on financial planning. The folks at Merrill Lynch must be jealous.

Maybe they should hire famed rap impresario Russell Simmons, because, to borrow an old commercial catchphrase, when Russell Simmons talks, the hip-hop community listens.

"People who are struggling the most pay the most," said Simmons, the summit's chairman. He knows a little about making money. Simmons founded a successful record label and created a thriving fashion line, earning him a net worth of more than $300 million.

His posse Saturday featured some of hip-hop's biggest names, including Jermaine Dupri and Young Joc, both of Atlanta. Rising stars like Cassidy, Yung Berg and Hurricane Chris also attended.

Their message: "get your money right." Or to put it another way, bling doesn't grow on trees.

"We're here to financially empower young people," said panelist DJ Drama. "I'm here to speak my mind and listen at the same time."

Their timing couldn't be better. A report released Saturday showed that black Atlantans of all income groups were much more vulnerable than their white counterparts in the ongoing mortgage crisis.

"People need to be aware of the traps," Simmons said. "These entertainers can get people's attention. They say, 'They look like me, they come from where I come from.' Hopefully they'll pay attention because there's a lot of basic stuff often overlooked. The schools aren't teaching it, that's for sure."

Marietta Realtor Jetaun Newcomb brought her two young sons to the summit, hoping they'll learn something from their musical heroes.

"I want them to know it's not as easy as they think it is to make money," Newcomb said. "They don't appreciate the value of it. Too many kids aren't getting that message. Some adults are just learning it."

The panelists kept the message simple, but as retired football star LaVar Arrington acknowledged, it's one that bears repeating.

"Kids watch these music videos and they want what they see," said Arrington, a former All-Pro linebacker with the Washington Redskins. "They want the fast cars, the big money, but they don't see there's a lot that comes with it. Sometimes it's harder to keep money than to make it."

Dupri warned of trying to emulate the lifestyles of the hip and famous.

"Understand who you are," he said. "Distractions mess your whole world up. If you can't afford a pair of sneakers, don't buy them. Don't let the distractions throw you off."

As Chicago's Yung Berg advised, "If you know you ain't got the money, you can't be at Magic City [a well-known Atlanta gentleman's club] with your homeboys."

Lesson received.

"I got a lot of questions answered," said Deartis Barber, 18, of Atlanta. "These are our role models, and when they say something we're going to listen."

November 3rd, 2007

Tattoo Clue in Jam Master Jay Slaying?

The gunman who killed hip hop icon Jam Master Jay has never been identified, but he has what could be a telltale characteristic — a tattooed neck, according to a witness.

Randy Allen noted the mystery gunman's tattoo in a story Sunday in the Daily News, marking what the newspaper called his first extensive interview about one of the hip hop world's legendary unsolved slayings.

Jam Master Jay, a.k.a. Jason Mizell, a member of hip hop pioneers Run-DMC, is seen in Los Angeles in this Feb. 25, 2002, file photo. The gunman who killed hip hop icon Jam Master Jay has never been identified, but he has what could be a telltale characteristic _ a tattooed neck, according to a witness Sunday Nov. 4, 2007. Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was shot dead in his Queens studio on Oct. 30, 2002. Despite a lengthy investigation and substantial reward, the case has been stymied by uncooperative witnesses, investigators say.

Allen, Mizell's business partner, told the Daily News he had cooperated completely with investigators and was furious that others had not. "This is a case that can be solved," he said.

Allen's name has surfaced repeatedly in the case, as has that of his sister, Lydia High. Reports from four years ago indicated police placed her in protective custody. Recently, her attorney said he had not heard from her in more than a year.

Allen told the newspaper he was in the 24/7 studio's control room at the time of the shooting, while his sister was near the studio entrance.

Allen said she told him that after two gunmen ordered her to get down on the floor, she saw a man with a tattoo on his neck approach Mizell and fire. A first round injured another person; the second was blasted into Mizell's head from point-blank range.

Working with rappers Joe "Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Mizell manned the turntables on such 1980s rap classics as "King of Rock," "It's Tricky" and a top-40 remake of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way."

November 2nd, 2007

Bon Jovi includes Atlanta on current tour
'Lost Highway' leads to Philips
Bon Jovi's "Lost Highway" tour will stop at Philips Arena on April 30, the band announced.

The New Jersey rockers kicked off the tour on Oct. 25 in their home state with the first of 10 straight concerts at the new Prudential Center in Newark. From there, it's off to Canada, Japan and other countries to be announced before returning stateside in February.

Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi of Bon Jovi perform during the Live Earth concert at Giants Stadium in July. The band's current tour will include an Atlanta stop in April.

Tickets to the Atlanta show go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10. American Express cardmembers are eligible to purchase advance tickets via www.ticketmaster.com between 10 a.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. on Nov. 9.

November 1st 2007

Queen Latifah's a symphony
Choice of orchestra venue is fitting for such a multidimensional true Artist

A ONE-WOMAN entertainment conglomerate picks up the phone and it's a little hard to figure out where to begin.

After all, again, it's Queen Latifah on the other line — the 37-year-old Grammy winner who started out in hip-hop, co-starred in the hit television show "Living Single," received an Oscar nomination for her role in the movie adaptation of the musical "Chicago," earned an Emmy nomination for her more recent portrayal of an AIDS activist in "Life Support," produced and starred in the box office hit "Bringin' Down the House," and as of September is back to music again, with the release of her second foray into jazz, soul, pop and blues standards, "Trav'lin' Light."

At 37, Queen Latifah already has covered quite a range of entertainment — movies, TV and music ranging from rap to jazz and pop standards.

Oh yeah, that's why the multidimensional artist born Dana Owens is performing at Symphony Hall.

Good starting point:

Obviously, we want to know why you picked "Georgia Rose" to be on this album.

"I just love the lyrics. I mean, it's a black pride song. It's still important lyrically. I think it's still relevant. And it's just a beautiful song, period."

But "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die" is supposedly your new anthem. Why?

"I just like the energy of the song. You know how at certain times you can get into a rut in life? Just doing the same things? You stop discovering, stop being excited by life and living. That's just not me and that song kind of reflects that.

"It's kind of become my mom's anthem too."

Is it true that you asked her for her permission to record "Poetry Man"?

"Yeah, I just wanted to make sure an authentic fan thought it was a cool idea.

"I go to my mom on everything, though, because I think she is ahead of her time when it comes to music ... Even when I was rapping I did that. That's why I didn't curse a whole lot then because I always wanted to be able to play the records for my mother."

It was pretty funny on "[CBS News] Sunday Morning" when they asked your mother if she calls you Queen.

"That was crazy, right?!"

She actually calls you — was it Dani?

"No, Dae."

Your first covers CD, "The Dana Owens Album," was kind of like the cool thing to play at dinner parties. Like Amy Winehouse is now. What do you play when you have friends over?

"I go with a lot of the classics. I just downloaded like five Stevie Wonder albums, even though I have all of his albums. So I've been in Stevie mode — 'Innervisions' and 'Talking Book.' I like Amy Winehouse too, that classic sound. Robin Thicke. I got like five CDs from Starbucks recently too."

Did you know you could rap before you knew you could sing?

"No. I definitely sang before I rapped. The rap records just came out first. My aunt directed a mass choir in Virginia and I used to love to sing along with them. Then I started writing poetry. Then I started rapping. That was the order."

Do you think you do one better than the other?

"I think it depends on where my focus is at. I might be a better singer now. But if I focus on rapping for a minute, I'm sure I'll be good at that again."

What talent are you just discovering you had, after all the things you've done in entertainment?

"[Laughs] I've been trying to play the drums lately, but I am in no way good at it. Definitely can't count that among the talents! That's just something I think I like doing because it looks cool. It's fun."

Information: Queen Latifah. $59.40-$97.20. 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

October 31st 2007

Rapper T.I. out on 3 Million Bond

Rapper T.I. released on $3 million bond

After posting a $3 million bond covered by two cashier's check and his posh Clayton County property -- rapper T.I. was released from federal custody Friday but he will be a prisoner in his home, with limits on who can visit him, until he is tried on federal gun charges.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., appeared at his second bond hearing in a week to find out the conditions of his release.

More than the possibility he could flee, U.S. Magistrate Alan Baverman seemed concerned that the rapper or his friends or fans may try to contact witnesses or informants used to bring the federal gun charges against him two weeks ago.

Any contact with witnesses, direct or indirect, is forbidden Braverman told Harris several times during the bond hearing.

"If any threats befall [them]... the court will be looking to you," Baverman said.

"Yes, your honor," Harris said.

"Do you understand that?" Baverman asked Harris after repeating the warning again.

"Yes, your honor," Harris answered from his seat between two of his four high-profile attorneys.

The magistrate said only Harris' lawyers could contact victims, witnesses and informants on his behalf. If anyone else does, Harris could be arrested and he could face additional charges.

At the end of the hearing, and after completing paperwork, Harris was released directly from the federal courthouse. Braverman said he did not have to return to jail before he could be freed since he was already dressed in street clothes â€” a grey three-piece suit without a tie .

Harris and Atlantic Records provided the cash to cover two-thirds of the bond and the balance was secured by his house. Harris, 27, can continue living with his girlfriend and his children and visitors are limited to three at a time between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Visitors have to be cleared with a criminal background check and they could be searched.

Harris cannot consume alcohol. His house could be searched at any time, as it was before the Friday bond hearing.

He cannot have any safes in his house or car; law enforcement officers searching another Harris house in College Park the day of his arrest found a safe containing weapons that would open only after a scan of his fingerprints.

Harris will be supervised by Judicial Corrections Services Inc., a company run by former U.S. Marshal and one-time acting Fulton County Sheriff Robert McMichael. Harris' movements will be monitored by a GPS system.

Harris was before Braverman a week ago but the final decision on bond was put off while the extraordinary bond conditions were developed.

"If you violate these conditions, a number of very bad things happen," Braverman said, explaining he would be arrested and could face additional charges that would add time to his sentence if he is convicted of the gun charges.

The courtroom was packed with relatives, friends and fans.

Just hours before he received two top awards by at the BET Hip-Hop Awards on Oct. 13, Harris was arrested trying to buy machine guns and silencers. Authorities also found three guns in his car, including one tucked between the driver's seat and the center console, when they arrested him in the parking lot in Midtown. They targeted Harris after the rapper's bodyguard told them he had bought about 25 guns for Harris; the bodyguard had been arrested days earlier allegedly buying more weapons for his boss.

If he is convicted, Harris could get up to 10 years in federal prison.

October 21st 2007

Jealousy gets an Atlanta mans ASS KICKED

(you get the message Mr. Insecure 2007?)

Kid Rock arrested in DeKalb after fight at Waffle House

While promoting his latest CD, Kid Rock vowed he was putting his days of made-for-the-tabloid antics behind him. The man from Michigan says he wants to be known for his music, not as a gossip-column item.

This weekend in Atlanta, Kid Rock did both.

DeKalb Sheriff's Office

Kid Rock's mug shot

Saturday night, he rocked a sold-out Tabernacle at a show supporting "Rock N Roll Jesus," currently the No. 1 album in the country and the first chart-topper of his 17-year career.

A few hours later, Kid Rock, who calls his genre-bending blend of country, rap and southern rock "hick-Hop," was arrested after police said he and his entourage beat up a customer — at a local Waffle House.

Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, was charged with simple battery, as were five other men who were with him.

The 36-year-old rocker was released from DeKalb County Jail on Sunday afternoon after posting a $1,000 bond on the misdemeanor charge.

DeKalb police said Ritchie was finishing up a post-show meal at a Waffle House on Buford Highway about 5:15 a.m. Sunday when a customer recognized a woman in his entourage and began exchanging words with her.

Ritchie joined in the altercation, which soon escalated into a physical fight between the rocker and the man, Harlen DeJon Akins, 39.

Soon, five other men in his entourage — including the guitarist and the bass player in his band, Twisted Brown Trucker — jumped into the fray, and the fight spilled from inside the restaurant into the parking lot, said police spokeswoman Mekka Parish.

When the brawl ended, Ritchie and his group got into their tour bus and left the scene. An officer pulled the bus over at Buford Highway and Lenox Road, and all five men were booked into jail on the misdemeanor battery charge.

Along with Ritchie, police charged guitarist Jason E. Krause, 38, bassist Aaron Julison, 27, George P. Vourvoulias, 36; James W. Murphy, 34; and Brian O. Lang, 37.

Akins, the customer who suffered minor cuts and bruises in the fight, faces a more serious charge.

Police said that during the fight, he punched a window of the restaurant and broke it. Because the pane cost more than $500, Akins was charged with a felony criminal damage to property.

The staff at the 24-hour eatery at 2812 Buford Highway said Sunday evening that they weren't permitted to talk about the fight that resulted in the boarded-up window, referring comments to the restaurant spokesman.

"He [Akins] destroyed the window," said spokesman Pat Warner. "I really don't know what the intent was behind it."

Warner sidestepped questions about Kid Rock facing only a misdemeanor for beating a man, while his alleged victim was slapped with a felony for breaking an $800 window.

"We're concerned about all our customers," the spokesman said.

Ritchie's publicist could not be reached for comment Sunday night.

It was the second weekend in a row that an artist who is signed to Atlantic Records has been arrested in metro Atlanta.

On Oct. 13, federal agents arrested rapper T.I. in a Midtown parking lot as he allegedly tried to illegally buy three machine guns and two silencers, hours before he was to receive two top awards at the BET Hip-Hop Awards.

Unlike T.I, whose rise to success is a bonafide rags-to-riches story, the myth that Ritchie cultivates about growing up in a double-wide trailer in Michigan belies the fact that his father successfully owned two car dealerships.

He shot to superstardom in 1998 with his fourth CD, "Devil Without a Cause," where he adopted what he described as a "white-trash" persona and cashed in on the popularity of rap-metal, selling 12 million records.

Since then, his CDs have continued to do relatively well, but his overexposed personal life continued to steal the spotlight from his musical achievements.

His stint as husband No. 2 to actress Pamela Anderson last year — and the subsequent ugly breakup — grabbed headlines, as did the kerfuffle last month at the MTV Video Music Awards when he punched his ex's ex, Tommy Lee.

With "Rock N Roll Jesus," Ritchie said he was getting back on topic. The CD knocked Bruce Springsteen's recorded-in-Atlanta "Magic" off the top spot, and sold 172,000 copies in its first week.

"The personal antics have overshadowed the music," he told the Associated Press earlier this month. "I am hoping to bring it back to the music now."

October 18th, 2007

Under-21 crowd shut out
By ERIC STIRGUS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/18/07

The days of nightclubs hosting "18 to party, 21 to drink" events may soon come to an end in Atlanta.

The Atlanta City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Monday prohibiting anyone younger than 21 from entering or working at businesses where alcohol is consumed. It should go into effect next week.

Councilwoman Cleta Winslow, who wrote the ordinance, said she is troubled by the city's law that allowed 18-year-olds to work in businesses where people are drinking. It does not affect restaurants where alcohol is served, nor supermarkets or convenience stores.

Winslow worries about teenagers drinking in strip clubs or bars and endangering themselves.

"Since a person under 21 can't drink in a nightclub, they should not be in these establishments," said Winslow, chairwoman of the council's public safety committee.

Greg Pridgeon, chief of staff to Mayor Shirley Franklin, said she would not veto the ordinance. Pridgeon said Franklin was concerned that the old rules allowed teenagers to drink and harm themselves or others.

"It seemed a little inconsistent you had people [under 21] working in these establishments and people who were patrons having to show ID to get in," Pridgeon said.

Winslow said teenagers working in strip clubs are more likely to fall into prostitution or taking drugs.

"We need to help our young ladies feel like they have some self-worth," said Winslow, 55, who said she worked three part-time jobs while in college. "We need to be more about protecting our young people. Even at 18 because the mind is not as mature at that level."

Pete Carver, an employee at the House Nightclub in Underground Atlanta, disagreed with Winslow's thinking.

"A lot of 25-year-olds act like they're still in high school," said Carver, 31.

Carver described the ordinance as the latest attempt by local government to "micromanage" the area's nightlife. DeKalb County commissioners are considering rolling back last call on most days from 3:55 a.m. to 2 a.m. After a string of fatal shootings in the Buckhead party district, the Atlanta City Council in 2003 ordered bars to stop serving alcohol at 2:30 a.m. and to close their doors at 3 a.m.

Although the House Nightclub does not permit anyone in under 21, Carver said decisions about age limits should be left to business owners.

"The city can't make the best judgment for every individual nightclub," he said.

At Goosebumps, a strip club in downtown Atlanta, the management said it would comply with the ordinance, although it has some dancers younger than 21. The club requires dancers older than 21 to wear plastic wristbands to prevent anyone younger from being served alcohol.

"Let's see if we can vote for an even bigger retard next term"

Dirty South TV

October 2007

Radiohead paves the futuristic way

Perhaps not since The Jazz Singer marked the end of the silent-film era has a popular artwork's format occasioned as much hubbub as Radiohead's In Rainbows, which debuted on an untold number of hard drives in the wee hours of Oct. 10. It's not just that the set is download-only; it's that the band, now a free agent, is offering a pay-what-you-will policy on the album website (inrainbows.com), accepting the inevitability of file sharing while appealing to the conscience of its sizable and unusually devoted fan base. (A boxed set, including expanded vinyl and CD versions of Rainbows and priced around $80, will be available later this year.) The strategy's success, despite unconfirmed reports of a million-plus downloads, remains to be seen. However things shake out, it's making for the music-biz Story of the Year.

So what about the music? Despite some dressing up compared with live versions (fans know many of these songs from concerts), Rainbows' 10 tracks are among Radiohead's most straightforward. The electronic swarms that marked 2000's Kid A and 2001's Amnesiac are either gone or folded seamlessly into arrangements. There's empty space here: On parts of the multifaceted opener ''15 Step'' and the quietly unnerving ''Nude,'' you hear just drums and an undistorted guitar, with maybe a modest bass line, behind Thom Yorke's plaintive warbling. Elsewhere, synthesizer washes provide ambient backdrops. And despite a few aggressive bursts — ''Bodysnatchers'' is a flailing rocker that has Yorke wailing ''I'm alive!'' — Rainbows may be the gentlest, prettiest Radiohead set yet.

That's not to say the band's vision has gotten sunny, though the gang of children shouting ''Yay!'' in the middle of ''15 Step'' might give that impression. Many songs are about love and desire, double-edged swords by definition. And the themes cut both ways. ''I love you, but enough is enough,'' Yorke murmurs on the delicate ''Faust Arp,'' which, like ''Nude,'' might refer to an artist's relationship to his fans as well as to a lover. The ballad ''House of Cards'' is that old soul-man trope, the adultery invitation — though in Yorke's hands it becomes something more complicated, as he intones the word denial (in a strange echo of ''Smells Like Teen Spirit'') amid brooding strings and rapturous falsetto.

Some critics have geekily quibbled over the fidelity of the MP3 format, which is slightly less than CD quality. But through decent earbuds on an iPod, or on a burned disc in my car, Rainbows sounds great, well worth the $10 I chose to pay for it. Using the full musical and emotional spectra to conjure breathtaking beauty, the collection is well named. It may have arrived via computer, but the vision is timeless

October 14th, 2007

Even behind bars, hip-hop's most embattled rap star continues to make headlines - and not about her upcoming CD. Current Riker's Island inmate Foxy Brown, born Inga Marchand, twice refused to get on a correction department bus. The Brooklyn native, who is already serving a one-year jail term, was supposed to be heading to court but instead declined to get on a bus as ordered to be arraigned in her case stemming from a fight with neighbor Arlene Raymond.

Foxy will now have to appear in court on Tuesday and should she refuse to board the bus, may be handcuffed and forcibly placed on board.
Brown is serving a year sentence on probation violation for continuing to get into trouble after her initial case - the now infamous nail salon fight - was resolved.

October 13th, 2007

Rapper TI Arrested on extreme weapons charges

ATLANTA, Georgia--- Rapper T.I. was arrested on federal gun charges just hours before he was scheduled to perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards, according to federal authorities.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, was arrested without incident in midtown Atlanta.

The entertainer, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was arrested in a federal sting Saturday after his bodyguard-turned-informant delivered three machine guns and two silencers to the hip-hop star, according to a Justice Department statement.

Authorities said that Harris, 27, provided the bodyguard $12,000 to buy the weapons, which Harris is not allowed to own because he is a convicted felon. Court documents said Harris was convicted on felony drug charges in 1998, and a federal affidavit said he has been arrested on gun charges in the past.

However, one of his attorneys, Dwight Thomas, said Sunday he was not aware Harris was a convicted felon and that "a number of people" live in Harris' suburban Atlanta home. Thomas added there were "two sides to every story -- sometimes three" and he was confident the legal system would work in Harris' favor.

The entertainer was taken into custody about 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday in Atlanta, where the BET award show was filmed.

Harris, the show's top nominee, was up for nine awards, including CD of the year and lyricist of the year. He also was scheduled to perform, along with fellow rap stars Common, Nelly and Kanye West.

The show went on without the self-proclaimed "King of the South," whose car and College Park, Georgia, home were searched following his arrest.

Authorities said they found three more firearms in the car in which Harris drove to pick up the machine guns and silencers, "including one loaded gun tucked between the driver's seat where Harris had been sitting and the center console."

At his home, authorities found six other guns, five of them loaded, in his bedroom closet.

"Machine guns pose a serious danger to the community, which is why they are so carefully regulated," said David Nahmias, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

"The last place machine guns should be is in the hands of a convicted felon, who cannot legally possess any kind of firearm. This convicted felon allegedly was trying to add several machine guns to an already large and entirely illegal arsenal of guns."

The sting came after Harris' bodyguard was arrested purchasing the machine guns and silencers from an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent Wednesday, according to the Justice Department statement. The bodyguard then agreed to cooperate with the ATF, the statement said.

The guns were not registered on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law. The bodyguard -- who has worked for Harris since July -- told authorities he had bought about nine guns for the rap star in the past, the statement said.

On Wednesday, authorities said, Harris arranged for the bodyguard to pick up $12,000 in cash from a bank to buy the guns. After his arrest, the bodyguard made phone calls to Harris, which authorities recorded, the statement said.

Harris was supposed to pick up the guns after meeting the bodyguard in a shopping center parking lot in midtown Atlanta. Authorities arrested Harris there without incident, the Justice Department statement said.

Court documents in the case show Harris was convicted on felony drug charges in Cobb County, Georgia, in 1998 and sentenced to seven years' probation. "Harris has additional arrests and at least one probation violation for unlawfully possessing firearms," according to an affidavit.

Harris' music is built around the drug culture and is known as "trap musik," the name of Harris' second album. A "trap" is Southern slang for a drug house.

Harris will be held in federal custody over the weekend and will appear Monday before a magistrate judge, the Justice Department statement said.

Harris soon will appear in the movie "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The film is set to open November 2.

Also taken into custody:

Officials also took into custody Harris' longtime on-and-off girlfriend, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, and rappers Mac Boney and Young Dro, said witness Hassan Musaddiq, a camera man for the Atlanta public access hip hop show "Severe Entertainment."

Cottle a part of the Atlanta-based, all-female R&B group Xscape, which scored several hits in the mid to late 1990s was charged by Atlanta police with possession of marijuana and the drug Ecstasy.

She and Harris have a son named King together. Earlier this year, Harris, a father of five, and Cottle lost the daughter they were expecting when she miscarried.

Young Dro and Mac Boney are part of a group on T.I.'s Atlanta-based Grand Hustle label, called P$C. They were not charged with any crimes.

Young Dro, asked Sunday whether he was with T.I. at the time of his arrest, said, "Of course I was." But he didn't want to talk about the incident.

"We're going to be all right," he said. "It's just a mistake. Everybody's entitled to some. We'll be OK."

Thomas, the attorney, said that a couple of bodyguards who were with Harris also were taken into custody but were not charged.

Later Saturday, agents searched Harris' College Park home and found three rifles, two pistols and a revolver. Five of the firearms were loaded.

Sunday, Harris' family members did not want to talk, and his record label publicist Sydney Margetson had no comment on the arrest.

"We've just got to roll with the punches," said Jason Geter, who founded Grand Hustle with Harris four years ago. "We always do. I'm very hopeful."

October 7th, 2007

Lil Wayne gets Arrested and taken back to Atlanta by Authorities

Felony drug charge for Lil' Wayne

Hip-hop artist Lil' Wayne, who is expected to perform at next weekend's BET Hip-Hop Awards show in Atlanta, was arrested Friday on a felony warrant stemming from a drug possession charge, authorities said.

Wayne, 25, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was arrested following a concert in Idaho because he was wanted by an Atlanta-area law police agency.

He was taken into custody late Friday night after he performed at a concert in Boise, and was booked into the Ada County Jail, Boise police Lt. Doug Doney said.

Doney said police received information Carter was wanted but allowed him to perform before they arrested him. The officers were in touch with the Georgia law enforcement agency, though Doney could not identify which one.

Boise police gang detectives who were at the concert to monitor the crowd confirmed that Carter had an outstanding warrant, and undercover detectives arrested him, Doney said. Carter was arrested without incident and was "compliant" with officers, the lieutenant said.

It's not clear whether Carter's drug possession charge stems from inside Fulton County. Spokespeople for the Atlanta and Fulton County police departments, as well as the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, could not determine late Saturday night whether their agencies issued the warrant for Carter.

If so, it wouldn't be Carter's first arrest in Fulton County; his record includes a 2005 drug arrest in Atlanta.

Carter, who is from New Orleans, released his fifth solo album, "Tha Carter II," in 2005. It has sold about 2 million copies across the globe.

It's unknown whether the arrest will affect Carter's anticipated performance at the BET awards show. He also is second in total award nominations this year with seven, compared to nine for Atlanta-based rapper T.I.

October 2007

Bobby Brown has a minor heart attack then denies it to the Associated Press

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Bobby Brown denied Wednesday that he had a mild heart attack, something his attorney said earlier he had suffered this week in Los Angeles.

Singer Bobby Brown says he went into the hospital for a checkup prior to a tour.

The 38-year-old singer told Associated Press Radio that he is feeling fine and went to the hospital just for a checkup.

"None of it's true," Brown said. "I went in for a checkup. The doc gave me a clean bill of health."

His account differed from that of his Atlanta attorney, Phaedra Parks, who earlier in the day told The Associated Press that Brown had severe chest pains Tuesday night and was taken to two hospitals.

"This morning they did diagnose him as suffering from a mild heart attack ... they attributed to stress and diet," Parks said, noting that she had spoken with him.

She said Brown was released Wednesday morning from a hospital in good condition.

Parks could not be reached for comment after Brown made his statements. She did not immediately respond to a telephone and an e-mail message.

Brown, who has a performance scheduled Saturday in Los Angeles, said that the reports about him having a heart attack gave him a "jolt" and that he felt he had to speak out.

"I did go to the hospital ... to just get a checkup, get everything tested out so that I could go on this tour, and everything is fine," Brown said.

"I don't know where the heart attack thing came from," Brown said. "I got my heart and everything checked out earlier this morning, and I'm just fine."

Brown lives in Southern California. He is the former husband of singer Whitney Houston and is seeking custody of their teenage daughter.

TRUST Dirty South TV-Bobby Brown had heart trouble due to excessive drug use, stress from his delerious excuse for a relationship with Whitney Houston and the general way he lives his life-and if he denies it I'll punch him in the face about 5,000 times. The truth is the truth-period-If you want to let all of the millions of people down that love and admire you by doing drugs to the point of almost dying-then have the fucking balls to admit it-Period Bitch!

Madonna to sign a record deal!

(Here's reality-Below is "the story"-Madonna will own a part of a major player in the recording industry or she will create one out of thin air)

Madonna intends to sign a $120 million recording and touring deal with live entertainment promoter Live Nation Inc. and leave her longtime record label at Warner Music Group Corp., a person familiar with the contract negotiations said Wednesday.

Madonna is expected to sign a recording deal with entertainment producer Live Nation.

The pop superstar's management informed Warner last week that she would accept Live Nation's offer after the record company refused to match the deal, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the matter.

Under terms of the proposed deal, Madonna, 49, would receive a signing bonus of about $18 million and a roughly $17 million advance for each of three albums, the person said. A portion of the compensation would involve stock, the person said.

Madonna could also benefit significantly from the touring component of the deal, which gives Live Nation the exclusive right to promote her tours, the person said.

In a bid to compete with the Live Nation offer, Warner pursued a possible partnership with ticket retailer Ticketmaster, a unit of IAC/InterActiveCorp, that would have enabled the record company to offer a spectrum of touring services to Madonna, the person said.

Warner Music and Live Nation declined to comment. A call to Madonna's publicist was not immediately returned.

The proposed 10-year agreement would give Live Nation the rights to sell Madonna merchandise and license her name, and any revenue from such products would be split between the singer and the company, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the deal.

Live Nation also would have to pay $50 million in cash and stock to promote Madonna's tours, according to the Journal, which broke news of the deal on its Web site Wednesday afternoon.

The agreement would be in line with similar deals other artists have struck with labels in recent years that give record companies a stake in their artists beyond the sale of recordings.

Live Nation, which promotes and produces music shows, theatrical performances and other live events worldwide, has been looking to expand beyond its core businesses to offer artists services such as direct merchandising and exclusive ticket sales. Its Artist Nation division sells tickets and artist merchandise online.

Warner has also set out to strike deals with artists and other music industry players in a bid to garner a share of revenue from other segments of the music industry, such as merchandising and touring. Those segments are faring better than recorded music sales.

Madonna first signed with Warner Music Group subsidiary Warner Bros. Records in 1984. Her last contract with the New York-based company calls for her to deliver one more studio album, expected next year, and a greatest hits record.

The singer has been among Warner Music's best-selling artists for years and arguably remains pop music royalty. Losing the rights to release her new recordings could prove to be a significant blow to the company's bottom line.

Warner, however, retains the rights to sell and license her catalog of hits such as "Like a Virgin" and "Music."

Warner shares rose 11 cents to $11.29 Wednesday. Shares of Live Nation fell 32 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $23.36, then gained 64 cents in after-hours trading

Britney Spears continues her flight in the media

Britney Spears filed an emergency court motion seeking to expand visitation rights with her children, the lawyer for ex-husband Kevin Federline said Wednesday.

Britney Spears had to relinquish custody of her children with Kevin Federline October 1.

Federline lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan told The Associated Press that he received the motion Wednesday and will be in court Thursday.

Kaplan did not elaborate on what Spears was seeking, but criticized the motion, pointing out that the judge's decision was barely a week old.

"I don't see any emergency or any new facts" in the case, Kaplan said in a telephone interview. "We are going to oppose this."

Kaplan said Federline would not be in court.

"When there is something of substance being addressed, he'll be there," Kaplan said.

An after-hours call to Spears' attorney was not immediately returned.

Spears was ordered October 1 to relinquish custody of her children by a court commissioner who had raised concerns about drug and alcohol use.

Superior Court Commissioner Scott M. Gordon later granted some visitation rights to Spears, but required that a monitor must watch her while she's with her sons, 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James.

The visits could be cut short if the monitor decides any behavior or action by Spears endangers the children.

Gordon had previously said Spears engaged in "habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol" and ordered her to undergo random drug and alcohol testing twice a week as part of her ongoing custody dispute with Federline.

Spears, 25, and Federline, 29, were married in October 2004. She filed for divorce last November and it became official in July.

09-28-2007

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota --Ryan Adams pitched another fit for a Minneapolis audience, a few years after his last local meltdown.

Ryan Adams, upset about the monitors at a Minneapolis show, stalked off stage.

Throughout a show Thursday night, the 32-year-old singer-guitarist complained about the sound monitors onstage at the State Theatre. At one point, he moved two monitors, his microphone and his guitar pedals.

After 70 minutes he'd had enough. Adams announced "the last song," played it and didn't return for an encore. Many fans stood and booed.

"I don't know what the story was," guitarist Neal Casal told the Star Tribune afterward. "I just play guitar."

In 2003, Adams gave a famously bad performance at First Avenue, a rambling two-hour show where he griped about the sound system, played several songs twice and lambasted local rock legend Paul Westerberg.

09-27-2007

Like we said a LONG time ago-Phil Spector's Jury is "Hung" and he will be aquited of his murder charges.....

09-27-2007

Marin Alsop says the toughest harmony she faces this season doesn't lie in demanding symphonic scores or the orchestras who play them.

Marin Alsop gives her first concert as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's music director Thursday.

"I think the most challenging aspect," she says, of becoming the first woman to be made music director of a major U.S. symphony orchestra, "is people's need to focus on the fact that I'm a woman.

"It's really entirely irrelevant to what I do."

You can hear what is relevant -- the work -- Thursday at 8 p.m. ET when XM Radio channel 110 offers a live broadcast of her premiere concert at the helm of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The program airs from the Strathmore Arts Center in Rockville, Maryland, just outside Washington.

She's giving herself no easy ride, either, as she moves the program from Strathmore to Baltimore's Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for weekend performances.

Alsop has chosen to throw open her leadership of the BSO with the fifth symphony of German composer Gustav Mahler, a mountainous challenge for more than 100 players.

The work springs with near-manic energy from crashing darkness to dancing buoyancy until it sinks into a ravishing, anguished fourth movement, adagietto, for harp and strings -- Mahler's aching love song for his new wife, Alma, herself a composer.

Alsop can demand a lot of her orchestras and audiences, too.

She's a determined advocate for the frequently dissonant, darkly radiant contemporary compositions that can send the tux-and-Tchaikovsky crowd screaming into the night.

Don't Miss

"You can't program concerts by the piece," she says. "Otherwise you end up with the top 20 pieces that people want to hear."

So this season, she's bringing 11 living composers to Baltimore.

And since 1992, she has been music director of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, California -- mentoring young conductors and giving stage to Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Michael Daugherty, Thomas Adès, John Corigliano, Christopher Rouse, Kenneth Fuchs and Aaron Jay Kernis.

Even the weekend's inaugural Baltimore program (there's an XM replay on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET) fields not only the Mahler 5th but also the 1988 woodwind-smart "Fearful Symmetries" of American composer John Adams ("Nixon in China," "The Death of Klinghoffer").

Still, you know what dogs her everywhere she goes.

Key dates this season for Marin Alsop

September 27: Premiere concert as Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's music director
October 3: Opens final season as principal conductor with Bournemouth Symphony, England
November 27: Naxos releases CD of Bartok's 'Bluebeard's Castle' with Bournemouth
December 5: Tonhalle-Orchester, Zurich, Switzerland
December 15: Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring' with London Philharmonic
January 23, 2008: Orchestre de Paris in France
February 9, 2008: Carnegie Hall debut with Baltimore
February 21, 2008: Premieres John Corigliano concerto for percussionist Evelyn Glennie with Pittsburgh
April 6, 2008: Teatro alla Scala Orchestra debut, Milan, Italy
June 7, 2008: John Adams' 'Nixon in China' with Colorado Symphony, Denver

As Alsop champions contemporary composers in an endless round-robin of guest conducting with the London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, Bournemouth Symphony, and the flagship orchestras of Zurich's Tonhalle, Milan's La Scala plus Pittsburgh, Denver, St. Louis, Washington, it's "brava!" she's hearing.

She explores the necessary question with a ready downbeat, decisivo.

"I don't want to give it short shrift. I want to take this responsibility of being a role model, in a certain way, and try to capitalize on it and make it easier for future generations and really make a contribution because of this circumstance I find myself in.

"But at the same time, I don't really want to dwell on it too much, because it really doesn't mean anything.

"In some ways, it's really a shame that it can be the 21st century and there can still be firsts for women. That's disappointing. But at the same time, I'm proud. I want to try to use this opportunity to pull a spotlight onto the fact that there can still be firsts for women and we need to work harder to make those part of history, rather than part of the present."

Nevertheless, a lot of music people can easily envy her own personal history in the business.

Alsop was born in Manhattan to professional musicians. Her mother, Ruth, still plays cello with the New York City Ballet Orchestra. Her father, LaMar, is a former concertmaster there. Alsop started piano at 2, violin at 5.

At 9, she decided she'd like to be a conductor when she heard Leonard Bernstein conduct the New York Philharmonic. Twenty-three years later, she became one of Bernstein's students when she won a conducting fellowship to the Tanglewood Music Center.

The resulting career clearly is exhilarating, absorbing and almost as much about airports as art.

"The expectation has developed," Alsop says, "that if one is successful, not only does a conductor have one full-time position but usually two full-time positions, preferably located nowhere near each other.

"So you're running from one end of the globe to the other. And then you're expected to run around and guest-conduct the orchestras of the world.

"It's a phenomenal thrill. But at the same time, it's a little disappointing that we've left the age when music directors spent weeks with their orchestras and really developed a specific sound, an identity, a footing in the community."

She might also like some more weeks with the family she leaves in Denver to stay on the move musically. "Of course, it can be hard on kids," she says, "when a parent has to leave for work. It's never easy."

A wry sense of humor helps, though. And it catches up with her as she describes her young son, a pre-teen already showing a faculty for languages.

"You know, I vowed that I'd never repeat my parents' pattern. I felt really pushed into music, playing piano at 2 and all.

"But you know what? As soon as my son could stand up, I pushed a violin at him."

09-24-2007

THIS JUST IN-The Michael Vick Jury is Picked!

(Exclusive Dirty South TV Information)

The Jury List is as follows:

Old Yeller

Rin Tin Tin

Lassie

Benjie

Snoopy

Under Dog

Scoobie Doo

Fluffy

Princess

Spot

and

Duke

There is a private List of Alternates that Dirty South TV is trying to get for our viewers and readers!

It is our understanding that Paris Hiltons newest addition to her little doggie family (which will remane un-named) has Contracted the Hundred and one Dalmations to "Hit" Michael Vick. They have saught the advice and leadership of the Budweiser Dalmations for this "job".

(This is a Comedic spoof designed to make people laugh and nothing more-no information in this article is true or correct)

09-21-2007

Too many people, Phil Collins says, tend to forget the "genesis" of a rock 'n' roll band.

The classic '80s Genesis lineup -- Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Tony Banks -- is on tour this fall.

Especially his own.

"They were friends first and they got together to play music," says the drummer and singer who is back as frontman for Genesis as it returns from a 15-year touring hiatus.

Reuniting after so long was no big deal, adds Collins, whose old group began a North American tour recently. After all, the three core members taking to the road -- Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford -- have been friends for more than twice that long.

"We played at my wedding (in 1999). We played at my 50th birthday party," the 56-year-old musician noted during a recent phone interview from his home in Switzerland.

Indeed, the group even played at the 2002 wedding of Peter Gabriel, Genesis' lead singer before he left in 1975 to pursue a solo career and Collins stepped out from behind the drums to replace him. It was a move, Collins jokes, that has the band's most hardcore fans still referring to him as "the new singer."

There was talk at one point of Gabriel also joining this tour, along with guitarist Steve Hackett, who left the band in 1977. That would have reintroduced audiences to the full quintet that rose to fame in the early 1970s with albums like "Selling England by the Pound" and "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway."

"But Pete still had to finish his (own) album and he still didn't know if he really wanted to do it," Collins said, recalling a November 2004 meeting the five called to discuss the matter.

"Steve said he was in if we did do it," he added, but it turned out the guitarist wasn't as interested if Gabriel wasn't coming along.

Finally, after a meeting that lasted so long Collins said it began "to feel a bit like watching paint dry," Hackett and Gabriel decided to go home. And the other three decided to go back on the road.

"We thought, well, let's do this lineup, which in a way, for me anyway, is sort of the main group, you know, because it lasted for so much longer," Banks said in a separate phone interview.

Once they began rehearsing, he added, it was as though they had never been apart.

"It felt very natural, really," Banks said. "Almost from the word go, as soon as you started playing a song, it was like you hadn't been away."

For Collins, who last toured with Genesis in 1991 and had left the group 11 years ago, the transition was harder.

"I had to learn how to play the drums again," he said bluntly.

Although he continued to tour with his own band, he had turned more to singing and songwriting in recent years, winning an Oscar in 2000 for "You'll Be in My Heart," the hit song from the animated Disney movie "Tarzan." More recently, he did the music and lyrics for the Broadway version of the film.

Returning to the drums proved daunting during a rehearsal concert the band held a few weeks before embarking on the European leg of its reunion tour earlier this year.

"I thought, 'God, it was never this difficult,' " he recalled with a laugh, adding he still can't jump quite as high as he once did during his "tambourine dance."

"But I just hadn't done it," he said of playing the complex rhythms to some of the band's earlier songs. "I had to get my stuff back.

"I got it back now," he added confidently.

Like he did in Europe, Collins will spend about a third of the band's 2 1/2-hour show on the U.S. tour behind the drums, coming out front the rest of the time to sing while veteran Genesis sideman Chester Thompson keeps the beat. The group's other veteran sideman, Daryl Stuermer, plays bass and guitar.

The band promises the same mix of familiar favorites like "Tonight Tonight Tonight" and "Hold on My Heart" that it performed on the European leg. The only new material, Collins said, will be the 20-minute, freeform "drum duet" he'll engage in with Thompson.

After the tour ends in Los Angeles in October, the group's members have no plans to record an album or go out on the road again. They say they need neither the money nor the aggravation of getting back into the cycle of constant recording and touring.

"We'll just do this, do the North American leg and just see how we feel," said Rutherford. "I think it's quite nice not making an all-encompassing master plan."

It is possible, Collins said, that the three could go into the studio, create a new Genesis album just for the creative satisfaction of it all and then never release it.

Although the band rates a notch or two below the Rolling Stones in popularity among groups of its era, its hard-to-categorize progressive pop-rock sound has never been a huge favorite of the critics. That is something that has always rankled Collins, so much so that he said, "I'm quite happy to write the songs and never put them out.

"The satisfaction comes from writing them, frankly," he added. "I love the writing. I don't necessarily love the idea of putting the album out so that everyone can beat it up."

Besides, he adds, returning to his more upbeat persona, he has many other interests these days, including working on another Broadway musical, improving his golf game, gazing out the window of his home at picturesque Mount Blanc and, most importantly, being home to help raise his 2- and 6-year-old sons.

"I know it's not rock and roll," he says, laughing at what he's just said. "But it's enough for me."

09-20-2007

The former drummer of legendary punk band the Ramones has filed suit against his music publisher, as well as online retailers iTunes, Wal-Mart and RealNetworks, over the alleged unauthorized distribution of six Ramones songs he wrote between 1983 and 1987, Billboard reported.

Former Ramones drummer Richard Reinhardt (aka Richie Ramone) said that no music publishing agreement signed at the time authorized distribution on such digital services.

He is seeking over $900,000 in damages and unpaid royalties, and a permanent injunction against the use of the songs in any manner whatsoever.

The Ramones songs in question are "Smash You," "Somebody Put Something in My Drink," "Human Kind," "I'm Not Jesus, I Know Better Now" and "(You) Can't Say Anything Nice."

"Go Get Em Ritchie"!

One Love,

Dirty South TV

09-18-2007

Kanye outsells 50!

Kanye West is not an artist who is known for his modesty.

Kanye West was all smiles at the GQ anniversary party after receiving the news his album had debuted at No. 1.

Listen to his current album, "Graduation," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, besting 50 Cent's "Curtis" in a much ballyhooed face-off, and you're more likely to hear the sounds of chests being thumped than backs being patted.

But Tuesday evening at GQ's 50th-anniversary party at Cedar Lake, a club in Manhattan's popular Meatpacking District, West was surprisingly gracious.

"I feel bad about beating 50," he said, "but I feel good about being number one."

According to Nielsen SoundScan, West to date has sold more than 957,000 albums. Fifty, who has said that he'd retire from rap if West was victorious, sold 691,000 copies in the past week. Will 50 be heading to Shady Pines? His people would not "confirm or deny his retirement."

No matter. The GQ party was as much a celebration of the magazine's storied history as it was of West. "He's the perfect marriage between artistic integrity and mainstream," said GQ's editor Jim Nelson.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford, who arrived solo in a silver micro-mini dress and matching pumps, gushed about the magazine and then quickly moved on to the 50-Kanye tiff. She remained neutral.

"I love both of them," she said, referring to the rappers. "I could never pick sides, but I heard Kanye kicked some serious butt. 50 shouldn't retire," she added. "We still love him."

West worked the red carpet in a white Calvin Klein suit and matching canvas sneakers. His fiancee, Alexis, opted for a curve-hugging black number that looked more befitting a dominatrix than a bride-to-be. As she quietly hovered in the background, West was showered with congratulations, hugs and handshakes, declarations of his genius and even a few who took to quoting his lyrics.

Earlier in the evening West reminisced about the days when he wasn't so beloved. After spending an entire summer perfecting his game, he tried out for his high school's basketball team. He made all of his shots, completed all of the drills, but was cut nevertheless. The coach told him he wasn't tall enough, the 5-foot-8 rapper recalled. "And I keep feeling like all these awards shows, it's just them telling me I'm not tall enough. It's like what else do you want me to do?"

He said some of his temper tantrums (the latest backstage at the MTV Video Music Awards), stem from that moment. They are less about his ego and more about his passion. "I play to win. I look at it like it's a sport, man. And all I'm doing is basically screaming at the refs," he said.

Jay-Z, the rapper turned Def Jam executive, said that Kanye's current success was owed to his obsessive work ethic. "There are 75 iterations of 'Stronger,' " he said, referring to West's current hit single. "There are 16 versions of the 'Good Life.' He cares more about the music than anyone."

In recent days 50 Cent has alleged that Island/Def Jam purchased albums to bolster West's sales. It's a charge that the label's CEO, L.A. Reid, vehemently denied shortly before posing for photos with West on the red carpet.

"This is a very clean and legitimate success," said Reid. Did he expect 50 to retire? "No, I expect him to go back into the studio and make a better album."

Moments later, hip-hop mogul P. Diddy sauntered down the red carpet, toothpick firmly in mouth, black Gucci loafers gleaming. Like Crawford, he refused to choose sides.

"I'm very political," he said, grinning slyly, "and this is a very emotional situation."

Ever the businessman, Diddy quickly launched into a sales pitch about his new women's fragrance, Unforgivable, which hits stores today. "I had so much success with my men's fragrance and the women were demanding their own fragrance, so I had to oblige them," he said.

He also had his own dares to make. In a video that was released to YouTube earlier in the day, he challenged Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Sarah Jessica Parker and any other female celebrity with a fragrance to a "scent off."

"I know mine will win," he said. "I'm going to invite all of them to my penthouse suite, and if any of their scents smell better than mine I'll take 'em shopping and they can run up my credit cards." As of yesterday, none of the ladies had obliged.

British crooner James Blunt, of "Beautiful" fame, was also ready for his own showdown. Blunt's sophomore album, "All the Lost Souls," was released on Tuesday and he joked that he was eager to take on 50 and Kanye. "I'm throwing my hat into the ring," he said. "I'm comfortable coming in from behind and if my album sells more than either of theirs this week, I will retire from the American music industry."

West hit the stage shortly after 11. He did not come alone. He was accompanied by a band, an elaborate string section, several back-up singers, a DJ, fog and a highly choreographed light show. He ran through his past hits ("Gold Digger") and current chart-toppers ("Stronger"), whipping the crowd of tastemakers, fashionistas, and celebrities like Beyonce into a frenzy.

He danced. He freestyled. He thanked his fans profusely. Halfway through his show, he wiped his brow and paused for a brief moment of reflection.

"To be a true champion," he said, "You've got to take out a champion."

09-15-2007

Rock legends Led Zeppelin are to reform for the first time in 19 years for a one-off concert in London, the Band announced Wednesday.

Robert Plant playing in London, 2006, with his band the Strange Sensation.

Singer Robert Plant, 59, last week hinted that the band were reforming when a fan asked him about the possibility of a performance.

He replied: "How did you know about that?", the British Press Association reported.

The three surviving original band members -- Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones -- will play a concert at the O2 Arena November 26, organized by promoter Harvey Goldsmith. The show will pay tribute to Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, whom Robert Plant described as "a close friend and conspirator."

In 1968, Led Zeppelin became the first rock band Ertegun signed to Atlantic, a label which had been better known for soul and R&B music before then.

The Who's Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman, Foreigner and young Scottish singer Paolo Nutini -- the last British act Ertegun signed -- will also play at the tribute concert. The show is a "tribute from UK artists that Ertegun worked with in a 60-year career," according to a press release.

The Zeppelin performance would also coincide with a new "Best Of Led Zeppelin" CD due to be released in November.

Promoter Ha

Dirty South TV

Welcome to Dirty South TV

Latest News

Official Press Releases

April 14th, 2008 Legendary Guitarist and song writer Sean Costello dies from an overdose at an Atlanta Hotel. ALL of our hearts and prayers are with Seans family, friends and fans.....

April 13th, 2008 Legendary Drummer (Ted Nugent's former drummer) Cliff Davies dead. Mr. Davies was found dead at his home with a gunshot wound to his head.

DALLAS, Georgia Police are investigating the apparent suicide of a former drummer for rocker Ted Nugent.

January 25th 2008 UB40 Lead Singer Quits the band after 30 years! Singer Ali Campbell is leaving the reggae band UB40 after selling tens of millions of records worldwide in a career spanning nearly 30 years, a spokesman for the group said on Friday.

January 1st, 2008

Todays Birthdays

"Weepin" Willy Robinson has passed away, he was 81.

December 30th, 2007

Bo Diddley has a birthday today-he is now 79

December 30th, 2007

December 29th, 2007

December 22nd, 2007

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

December 20th, 2007

Judge Admonishes R. Kelly for Lateness

December 18th, 2007

Evel Knievel, Kanye West Settle Lawsuit

November 16th, 2007

Best Rock and Roll Lineup in recent years hits Atlanta suburb-Sandy Springs on November 16th, 2007

November 13th, 2007

Promoter boosts R&B with R. Kelly tour

November 8th, 2007

$50,000 sneakers!

Big Boi to get first pair

Ricky Martin Kicks Off Latin Grammys!

November 4th 2007

Tattoo Clue in Jam Master Jay Slaying?

Queen Latifah's a symphony Choice of orchestra venue is fitting for such a multidimensional true Artist

October 31st 2007

Rapper T.I. out on 3 Million Bond

October 21st 2007

Jealousy gets an Atlanta mans ASS KICKED

(you get the message Mr. Insecure 2007?)

October 18th, 2007

Under-21 crowd shut out By ERIC STIRGUS The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 10/18/07

October 2007

Radiohead paves the futuristic way

October 14th, 2007

October 13th, 2007

Rapper TI Arrested on extreme weapons charges

October 7th, 2007

Lil Wayne gets Arrested and taken back to Atlanta by Authorities

October 2007

Bobby Brown has a minor heart attack then denies it to the Associated Press

Madonna to sign a record deal!

Britney Spears continues her flight in the media

09-28-2007

09-27-2007

Like we said a LONG time ago-Phil Spector's Jury is "Hung" and he will be aquited of his murder charges.....

09-27-2007

Don't Miss

Key dates this season for Marin Alsop

09-24-2007

THIS JUST IN-The Michael Vick Jury is Picked!

09-21-2007

09-20-2007

09-18-2007

09-15-2007

Rock legends Led Zeppelin are to reform for the first time in 19 years for a one-off concert in London, the Band announced Wednesday.

April 14th, 2008

Legendary Guitarist and song writer Sean Costello dies from an overdose at an Atlanta Hotel.
ALL of our hearts and prayers are with Seans family, friends and fans.....

April 13th, 2008
Legendary Drummer (Ted Nugent's former drummer) Cliff Davies dead.
Mr. Davies was found dead at his home with a gunshot wound to his head.

DALLAS, Georgia
Police are investigating the apparent suicide of a former drummer for rocker Ted Nugent.

January 25th 2008
UB40 Lead Singer Quits the band after 30 years!

Singer Ali Campbell is leaving the reggae band UB40 after selling tens of millions of records worldwide in a career spanning nearly 30 years, a spokesman for the group said on Friday.

Queen Latifah's a symphony
Choice of orchestra venue is fitting for such a multidimensional true Artist

Under-21 crowd shut out
By ERIC STIRGUS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/18/07