We all know that the rapper TI recently began his 366 day prison sentence in an Arkansas prison. Merged with the brilliance of TI is the darker side of his existence, the part that makes him willing to risk losing his family and freedom in the midst of all of the chaos in the hip hop industry.

In this conversation for “The Bottom Line with Dr. Boyce”, we discuss the broader meaning behind TI’s arrest, as well as how TI’s experience reflects the state of rap music in America. There is also the question of whether or not “keeping it real” is good for business, and whether TI is actually remorseful for his personal choices.

We can broaden the discussion to other issues in hip hop as well: Is it right that Rick Ross has been penalized for not being a criminal? Does TI have a lot in common with Tupac (beyond the fact that they are both talented artists)? If so, how can he be sure to avoid Tupac’s fate? We explore all this and more.

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This is a classic case of a divorce gone really bad. Nas and Kelis’ financial
drama is gettin’ spread across the internet like crazy. Kelis is upset that she can’t afford the Gucci, Prada and Fendi while lounging in a private jet anymore. Pop the hood for more dirty money details
Kelis claims estranged hubby Nas has left her high and dry … not offering her a penny in the wake of her impending birth … and she says she’s broke — “I have run out of money.”

Kelis filed legal papers claiming Nas isn’t paying her support, pre-natal expenses — nothing, even though she claims he is filthy rich.

Kelis is asking the judge to order Nas to pay spousal support, child support, all pregnancy-related expenses, and one-half of all medical expenses after the child is born. She also wants $3,500 for the baby nurse after the child’s birth, and $20,000 for strollers, cribs and other baby supplies.

Kelis says, “My survival is based on [Nas'] will at this time. If he does not want to pay for an expense, it does not get paid.” The couple was married in 2003. The baby is due this month.

Kelis and Nas during better days

Kelis says she’s entitled to maintain the lifestyle to which she became accustomed during their marriage — they have five homes, fly first class, go to fancy restaurants, and on and on. Most interesting — “There were many expensive pieces [of jewelry] such as a princess-cut diamond tennis bracelet that was recently appraised for $190,000. My engagement ring is an approximately nine-carat cushion-cut diamond solitaire. I have numerous watches…such as Cartier, Rolex, Frank Muller and Chopard.”

Nas and KelisHer lawyer, disso-queen Laura Wasser, says in a separate declaration she’s asked Nas to ante up some $$$ for Kelis and the unborn baby but he hasn’t responded. So Nas is supposed to be supplying your luxury lifestyle for the rest of your life? Doesn’t sound right to us. We think she needs to worry about the baby and leave the other bullsh*t behind.

The two are said to have got on like a house on fire and Akshay even managed to get the American rapper to don Indian clothes for the music video. The film’s producer Vipul A Shah said: “Their chemistry was worth seeing as they’re superstars from two different worlds. To say the least, the video is looking brilliant.” The song is already a hit in India and is being played regularly on radio stations and in bars. In the video, the singer who has been in and out of trouble with the police for most of his life, is seen wearing a traditional Indian kurta or long shirt, beige trousers with a turban studded with a diamond.

Indian film-maker Deepak Tijori told Sky News: “He has a very very select audience and the song is blended with a typical Bollywood song. It is a good pinch of salt but will not be the mainstay of the film.”

In other words, it’s Akshay who is drawing in the crowds in India, not necessarily the US rapper.

But that hasn’t deterred Snoop, who apparently has plans to follow up with a tour to India.

“Snoop Dogg has a lot of fans in India and I love ‘em right back,” he said.

His co-performer Akshayis effusive with his compliments: “The song is mind-blowing. I made a few friends listen to it and they haven’t stopped gushing about it.

“I am confident like the rest of the soundtrack this will go on to become a major chartbuster.”

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My opinion- There isn’t anything Snoop won’t do to stay relevant.  First it’s doing the opening theme for One Life to Live, Then doing a country song, now Bollywood..Let me be clear, I would normally admire this type of creativity and open mindness when it came to true artists that appreciate and promote diversity. Unfortunately, this seems to be another example of a hip-hop celeb doing anything possible to stay relevant and to make money.

10 years ago Snoop would have laughed his ass off if, Warren G decided to do something like this. But selling out to mainstream media is all the rage now with former rap heavy weights like Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, and others because rap and hip-hop has slowly self destructed into pop music. Let’s face it, hip-hop is offically dead, there isn’t any money left to be made . There are no hardcore rappers left, get used to it. At least Eminem keeps it real, he seems to be the only rapper left who could care less about crossing over. Why can’t these guys just make great music like in the old days? Sigh…..

Orginal T-Pain

Preppy White Boy Version

Nerdy cute Asian guy version

SIMS Version

 
Snoop performing Sensual Seduction on “One Life To Live”

Snoop Dog’s Opening Theme For One Life To Live

Just a few random pics of 50 Cent and Carrie Underwood hamming it up during a commercial shoot for Vitamin Water and stupid stuff. There is nothing wrong with selling your soul to big companies for a profit, everyone and their grandma has a product their pushing, I understand that now. The problem is, when you still try to pass yourself off as this real dude from the streets, it’s not convincing when your constantly partying with Paris Hilton, throwing temper tantrums if your album doesn’t outsell Kayne’s, or selling out to the highest bidder. I don’t know too many hardcore gangstas who do that, but wankstas do. Have fun.

But we insiders know the truth to Hip-Hop’s about face attitude towards pop that we are seeing more and more of everyday. Hip-Hop is slowly becoming more pop more than ever before. The nasty, jail bragging, female bashing , ignorance that has become standard in most hip-hop music is slowly fading out, and replaced by  a new glitzy, popish, mainstream sound that appeals to the masses and fits in somewhere between Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake. Everyone and there grandmamma has to collaborate now more than ever just to sell records. No one is benefiting from this more than Justin since he seems to be on everyone’s album and video. I see major JT overkill happening very soon.

With former real rappers like Flavor Flav , Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepper, Yo- Yo and a plethora of former rap heavyweights selling their souls to MTV and VHI reality shows for a quick buck, the line between hip-hop and pop is getting closer each year. I think I began to figure this out when I saw Ice Cube go from N.W.A, to official Disney bottom when he started starring in the “Are we there yet?” franchise.

 The new way to make money is  especially for pop and hip-hop to get a movie role (that should actually go to an actor who needs the work) or , sellout completely and go pop. Like 50 cent, I knew he had zero credibility when I saw him and Paris Hilton partying together all the time. He is so Hollywood now it’s embarrassing. Now he wants to compete with MySpace and start a new social booking website, that’s actually just smart business so at least he has that for him.

Now we’ve got Trina trying to be a crossover “artist” since the nasty club freak routine is no longer selling. I see nothing wrong with a zebra who’s eager to change her stripes, anything that’s positive is a good thing. I give her props for giving it a try but I am not convinced. I do like the song, it’s simple, and easy to listen to but nothing worth making me spend any money. In the video she’s wearing her signature street walking wig and tons of tacky accessories. She’s trying to appear docile and soft and is even wearing a dress that isn’t skin tight or too small to cover her booty like usual. Everything from the tacky cheap looking wig, to her ill chosen red lipstick ,and that dress that’s needs more “filling” in the chest area , makes Keisha Cole look like Lady Diana standing next to her. Keisha on the other hand looks sexy, well dressed, and much more feminine that Trina. I’m sure the song is gonna be a hit and I would love to see if the public buys Trina’s new attitude.

Enjoy the video and leave comments

If the deal does come to fruition, Brown will be following in the footsteps of fellow hip-hop stars Flavor Flav and Da Brat, who have also found success with their own VH1 shows.

Brown – real name Inga Marchand – is currently serving a one-year prison sentence for violating her probation after a string of altercations.”

Great. Now this washed up drag queen looking hefer is gonna try to make some kind of a comeback with yet another D-list reality show. Let me guess, she’s gonna be a nasty bitch to everybody and hit people with stuff while promoting her new album. Big deal, you are so over with “china doll”. Your only famous now  for being an trouble making psycho. In 10 years I predict Foxy Brown  will be the Janice Dickinson of hip-hop. No body likes you anymore! Go away!

Yeah I know it sounds mean, but I lost all respect for Foxy when after she got her hearing back. This woman went through a life changing experience after she lost her hearing and was completely deaf. She was fortunate to get a second chance and now has her hearing back so you’d think she would try to present herself as a lady and walk around with a tad bit more humility than before. You know , show some appreciation for being able to hear and make music again… but it true ghetto fashion she seems to now be an even bigger bitch than before.

Foxy may be a little off mentally which would explain alot. Sometimes if you look into her eyes  she looks a little nutty, like she could snap at any time. If that’s the case then I apologize in advance, but I seriously doubt it. I used to think she was pretty with her dark chocolate skin and beautiful almond shaped eyes, and she was pretty good at the rap game back in the day. Unfortunately for Foxy, it seems like those days are over. Maybe if she starts dressing less tacky, quit wearing those long black Sea Biscuit hair weaves, and change that nasty attitude she can get back on track.

For now, she has to play the white girl trouble making game so she can get any press at all. Unlike Li-Lo, Paris, and Brit, the paparazzi really has no interest in Foxy unless she beats someone up again. So there is no point in trying to stay hot by causing trouble so people will talk about you. Hollywood almost always saves that for the pretty, young white girls not you! You look like an idiot girl, get it together!

Moral of the story….Even if your a D-Lister, you go to jail and your guaranteed a reality show.

Check out one of my favs of Foxy’s, “Hot Spot”. I love this song