T.I. is still "Untouchable" as he celebrates his 28th birthday in style! Plus "Paper Trail" selling out in stores!

Birthday boy flashing me a smile right for the camera!
Tiny and Tip (looking like an angry red man. Probably tired of pictures huh?)
Gentleman, Toccara (looked FAB!!) and Mr. Kevin Liles (clean the whole weekend)
Kenny Burns doing what Kenny does...acting out (during Sean Garrett interview)
TBoz (that's her bro sliding away)
Young Bre (upcoming artist) and Jerry Clarke (Island Def Jam)
Mr. Knight looking clean per usual.
Drumma Boy (my 1st interview EVER. I'll never forget. Thanks to Squeak his awesome manager for that last year.)
Me and Jarvis- DTP artist (i saw the ladies all over this one yall! All you gotta do is say, "Record Deal" and the claws come out. Sad.)
Lisa and Ed Hartwell (Real Housewives of ATL and NFL)
Alpha and Deon Grant (Seattle Seahawks)
Open bars are from the deBil!
Victorian ladies happily shaking their groove thangs in a cage

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all going directly to Heaven, we were all going the other way."
A Tale of Two Cities- Charles Dickens. Hmmm or was that, "T.I. versus TIP"- Clifford Harris? It does talk about both sides of the self inflicted, dueling rapper. No no no, actually it is "Paper Trail" which tells a tale of two cities. A man who has been on the dark side and is entering the light. Who lost almost everything and then starts to gain the respect back.

It was the worst of times October 2007 when the king was busted on illegal weapons charges hours before he was to take the stage at the 1st annual BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. But it seems that the particular defeat was cleverly disguised as a victory as the MC, refreshed and wiser is emerging a year older, and a HOT new album stronger. With "Paper Trail" furiously flying off the shelves in record stores in an age when hip hop is NOT selling for the majority. I'd say for this southern gentleman, It is the BEST of times.

Well my 2nd Favorite rapper (second only to Andre 3000) did it again! He threw himself (with the help of Music Business Politics and The Garner Circle PR at the Biltmore hotel in Downtown Atlanta) another crazy birthday party but not only to celebrate another physical year of life but the birth of a newer him, and the release of his newest album monikered to pinpoint how he journaled the lyrics instead of his normal off the dome style. And it makes a difference!! Everyone i've talked to thus far is saying, "This is his best work yet!". A male friend happily told me yesterday, "It seems I can play the whole thing without skipping any songs." Now I've always stanned for T.I. Just a couple years ago my best girlfriend and I used to scream in lust (yeah i said it) and awe when ever he'd come on TV (so sad). That's why I jumped to be an intern for a year at Grand Hustle Records during that time. I always believed in his talent. We see T.I. is confident, we see T.I. can rip, but "Paper Trail"...oooh weee. The newest edition to his discography leaves its own trail. A trail of fire blazing wilding yet still in total control daring other rappers to try to match his current grandeur. This album might be the baby. But this baby is a little man (you know the type ladies...), with a mustache and muscles. So patna, be easy. And if you haven't copped, "Paper Trail", duh. What are you waiting for? If you can't get it in stores, get it online here. I found it for the slackers right there on Buy.com for less than $11.00. It's selling. Not only because it's damn good but because controversy and drama sells albums point blank PERIOD. This man has his share. Again the whole album is smokin' but my favorite track is: "My Life". What a perfect calabo with mega star Rihanna. I bump this one hard over and over again in my hooptie. :-)

Thank you to Nicole and her team at The Garner Circle PR (thank you Daniel for looking out) for the invite and Music Business Politics (Hannah Kang and Grand Hustle GM) for entry. I also thank the open bar which made me sick. J/K. No honestly, i am a light weight and that's why i don't really drink. Hello! But the party was lovely. Kevin Liles (Atlantic Records royalty!), Jason Jeter, Toccara, Tione (T-Boz), The Hartwells (Ed and Lisa), Michael Knight, Sean Garrett, Kenny Burns, Jerry Clarke, Young Dro, Big Kuntry (album dropped 9.30.08 as well...which i don't understand but okay...) Alphamega, Deon Grant, Jazze Pha (he goes to ER party though), Ryan Cameron (V-103...hmmm where was Frank?), Stay Fresh (producer), Drumma Boy (Producer), Andrew Young, Jarvis (DTP artist), Ecstacy, and more came to help Tip and Tiny celebrate for not only the party but some even for the entire Grand Hustle take over weekend (including, comedy show, skating, and a Sunday power brunch hosted by Liles and Tip). I must say, great touch on the ice sculpture and the quartet playing in the beautiful Biltmore hotel lobby. Classy. Last years' party held a little more star power and was even more crowded (which i don't enjoy crowds) but this year was better in that the people i spoke with I was able to network with. A special thanks to Island Def Jam VP, Jerry Clark who was part responsible for my short term sickness but mostly responsible for keeping me laughing for a good 20 minutes. I look forward to our interview. Good peoples...

p.s. I no longer lust after the likes of T.I. I have moved on to greener and more darker skinned pastures.
:)

Miesha
Social Addict

Jason Geter (Grand Hustle Homie!) Birthday Party at Lucky Food Lounge!

The hot boyz. Ow ow!

On Wednesday Jason Geter's 31st (I think) birthday party was held at Luckies Food Lounge, THE hot spot for celeb events.

Tip came out before heading home for curfew (but at least he gets to hang), Dro was showin' us all why he's, "The best thang smokin' " Keri Hilson brought the party, Hannah Kang (GM of Grand Hustle) showed up being a boss lady she is, and Fergie who is in Atlanta recording with Polow (the infamous track leaker!) hit the club up too. For more pictures and celeb guests (like Jeezy, Chingy, Rich Boy, and Mannie Fresh to name a few) in attendance check out Sandra Rose's website!

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

T.I. sits down with the AJC for his first official interview (still can't talk about the case...)

I wanted to post the interview that the AJC had with T.I. late last week for those that haven't seen it. He's amassed much humility that I pray he'll fight to keep. I love this guy, always have. Very very proud. Read below:

T.I.: 'I know I brought it on myself'
By SONIA MURRAY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Late Thursday afternoon Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. granted his first sit-down interview since the convicted felon was arrested for, and pled guilty to, three firearms charges last month.

T.I. has admitted he bought the machine guns and silencers, has 1,000-plus hours of community service to complete, and has been sentenced to an expected 366 days in prison in March 2009. And while the events of Oct. 13, 2007, were off limits, the 27-year-old born Clifford Harris Jr. talked openly about a number of things: from the son he's expecting to the 24 hours before his life changed.

Here are excerpts from the 30-plus minute conversation the AJC had with him at the Villages at Carver YMCA, right after he spoke to a handful of aspiring teen producers at a FOR ME Inc. workshop:

Q. Who is T.I. — or Clifford Harris, Jr., now?
A. It's hard to say because a lot of things are the same and a lot of things have changed. I still have a huge amount of passion for what I do. I still have a huge amount of passion for doing what I can for the community. I still have my foundation — remembering where I came from and principles that have been instilled in me. But at the same time I also have an acknowledgement of things that need to be left behind, let go. And also an acknowledgment that there has to be an about-face. A 180-degree turn, in order for us to continue on the path to success.
Q. Do you feel lucky?
A. I feel blessed. Lucky ain't the word. It's by the grace of God that I'm here.
Q. People don't hear you talking about God on record or in person.
A. When you do the amount of praying that anybody in a situation similar to mine spends the time doing, and for that prayer to work, and for you to have other people praying for you to get through the situation - or to see the situation beginning to look up — and not acknowledge that's what helped the situation, I think that's blasphemous.
Q. You probably did more praying between October and last month than maybe you ever have, huh?
A. Nah, nah, I can't say that. I've always [drifts off] situations tend to arise and prayer tends to give the strength to get through it. I've always recognized that I'm blessed to be here. I've said that in my music — plenty of times. So may different outcomes could have been mine... God shows me favor for some reason or another.
Q.What have you learned bout yourself, being on house arrest for months?
A. Patience. Just a lot of patience. If I can sit at home all day and wait on people to bring me what I need. Wait on getting permission to be able to do this and do that it's not as serious as I used to make it sometimes. Sometimes it was like, 'If I don't get this right now I'm just going to lose it'...When you're going 350 mph it tends to be that way. But when you are stopped — halted — not slowed down, but halted, you figure 'Well I could have just slowed down. I didn't have to be stopped.' I thought it was bad just to slow down. Now I see in me being stopped, I could have done this, been this, myself, instead of being forced to do it.
Q. Going back to that day you pled guilty, that night you went out to Ruth's Chris (restaurant). Is that what you missed having to stay home?
A. I mean just the ability to do me. Whether it was going to eat with my family. Whether it was having my family to be able to come eat with me. Whether it was going to the grocery store for myself. Picking my kids up from school. Taking my kids to the movies and to basketball practice. Going to the studio. Handling my business at the office as I need to. Whatever doing me was.
Q. MTV was there that night too. Are they doing something on you?
A. Well, there is some documentation being done. We're actually in the middle of negotiating exactly what it would take to be able to have that type of access to my life. But I think it's something that needs to be out there on a broad spectrum.
Q. What?
A. The message that I'm trying to get out. How much work that I have to do in the time that I have to do it in. All of this, I think, needs to be known. And that's a way to deliver the same message that I just delivered to those 15, 20, 30 kids, to the nation. They'll sit in front of the TV — even if I can't make it to their school; or if I can't make it to their Y.
Q. Do you feel like at this point in your life, 'OK I need to be closer to my family. Spend more time there. Or like, 'Businesswise, I need to really get as much as I can'?
A. All of the above. They both take high priority. Absolutely.
Q. OK then, speaking of business, this week the news broke that you're finalizing a deal for this movie 'Heist'.
A. Yeah.
Q. You talk about separating entertainment versus reality in your speeches, but is there any concern that your next movie is about a bank robbery considering your situation?
A. I didn't write the movie. I'm hired to do a job. I'm an actor. This is a role that the studio came to me and asked me to do [before his arrest].
Q. Are there any other projects in the pipeline — besides [his CD] "Paper Trail" in September?
A. Akoo Clothing will launch the holidays of this year. Of course we're premiering Big Kuntry's album [in August] and Young Dro. We have other television shows [about comedians] .Also we have a Young Dro reality show. You follow this guy around long enough you're bound to be entertained, at the least.
And with my project, I'm still working.
Q. Is this going to sound like T.I. as your fans have heard you?
A. There are elements that are still there And then there are new elements... But right now I think I'm about to something with (retro soul vocalist) Amy Winehouse — I don't know if it's for [my CD] or hers, but I'm definitely excited. [He added that he plans to have a new single on streetcred.com in the next two weeks].
Q. Last business thing — have you lost business since the arrest?
A. Of course. You can't be expected to take advantage of all of the opportunities that are there for you if you can't even leave your house.
Q. You had a very prominent car endorsement deal.
A. Sure. GM.
Q. Is that still in effect?
A. Nah GM had to back up off of me. There are films that I missed out on. Not speaking of, of course, shows. Tours. Tons of business. I've probably lost about $10 to $12 million dollars.
Q. And you smile after saying that.
A. [Laughs harder] Sometimes you laugh to keep from crying. But you know, I'm blessed to be able to be out here to make $10 to $12 [million] more. Especially considering I brought this all on myself. So you know — minimal injury. Maximum lesson learned.
Q. On to the personal, you're engaged right?
A. Yeah [to longtime on-and-off girlfriend, Grammy winner Tameka "Tiny" Cottle].
Q. Plan to get married any time soon?
A. As far as a date, I'm not setting a date because then it's going to turn into a lot of fanfare. No relationship needs all that. It's more hazard than help... And you know today, as entertainers, as public figures, there's enough strain on a relationship as it is. I think that's a private moment for us and our families.
Q. Another family thing, you have a son on the way. When is he due?
A. May 25.
Q. What kind of dad are you? Are you a disciplinarian?
A. Yep.
Q. You spank your kids.
A. Absolutely.
Q. Well what about them being able to say, 'Not only have you talked about guns or whatever on record, daddy, but in real life you've done those things too?'
A. If they say something like that I'm prepared to deal with it: 'I also had to pay the price, for all of the things that I did. And you're going to pay the price for what you just did. Come see me.' "
Q. While, understood, you can't discuss the arrest and all of that. Can you say what the scariest day of your life was? Was it when [his close friend and assistant] Philant was killed next to you? Or...
A. I've had bullets whiz by me before then. The scariest day?...Hmm. I mean, this past situation ranks high up there. The night of the awards ranks very high up there on the list.
Q. Professionally, what did the night of the BET Hip-Hop Awards (Oct. 13) mean for you? You were the top nominee. It was happening in your city. That should have been a great day.
A. It was sort of like a, well, you remember the [last] Super Bowl, right? You know Jeremy Shockey? He broke his leg. He had to sit up in the press box and watch. He couldn't help his team win. He couldn't play. The greatest, most talked-about, most publicized Super Bowl in our time and he's sitting watching; instead of actually being able to participate. Terrible... And I know, I know, I brought it on myself."
Q. Do you remember Oct. 12, 2007 — that Friday before?
A. We had a very good time. We were living life, man— partying. Celebrating. Celebrating success. Being hot. Being hot, working hard... I was at [adult entertainment club] 24K. Then I went to Onyx [another adult entertainment club]. Then I went to [the nightclub] Velvet Room. We were a lot of different places. We had our own little thing we were doing too — a private, members-only party. I actually rolled out of bed from there and went to [the BET] rehearsal. And never made it back.
Q. Sounds like you were having a really good time before...
A. "I was. [Smiles] I was... But I think my future's brighter than my past. Still."
END

God bless...

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

Derek Blanks' "Alter Ego" art exhibit (T.I.'s first night on the town this year) event!

Tiny and Tip (his first official "Night on the Town" since the 2007 house arrest) Tip is also a client of Blanks

Friend, Cee-Lo Green and man of the man of the night, artist, Derek Blanks Nicole Garner (Garner Circle PR) and Derek Blanks
Janelle Monae is poised and beautiful all around (and she tells me by the way that she is NOT signed to Bad Boy but has her own label)
Camille McDonald (ANTM)
C-Rod(Grand Hustle/P$C)..."I'ma buy you a draaank!"
Big Kuntry (Grand Hustle)
Jazzspects performs
Mychael Knight
Friend and Bree (ANTM)
Dorian, my friend Shem, and Shavon (College Hill Atlanta) Rashaun Ali and Cristal Steverson

And now to the art...Amerie shows ontrol over the many sides of her personality
Mycheal Knight art "Alter Ego" piece
Akon "Alter Ego"
This Ciara "Alter Ego" photograph reminds me of a summer's dream
Kim Porter's "Alter Ego" is/stays fabulous
The Tasha Smith piece almost looks like a lovely painting. Incredible work by artist, Derek Blanks!

Derek Blanks is one of the most talented photographers of our era. Let me say that again, Derek Blanks is one of the most talented photographers of out era. What this man does with real life pictures, Picasso did with paint, and Prince does with the electric guitar. The man is an artistic genius whose portraits draw in the perfections of any face.

Last night I partied like a rock-star without liquor, drugs or self groupie action. Well let me stop I never do those things (okay okay maybe on Wednesdays...you got me!) but I just wanted that explanation to be used so those of you who didn't get a chance to attend Derek Blank's "Alter Ego" exhibit can get a clear visual of what the evening was like. It was fun without any need for extra "medications" if you will. The music was RIGHT and after that the audience grooved to the likes of Jazzspects, a funky jazz band. Much hotness.

Celebrities by the likes of: Monica, Cee-Lo Green (my secret crush), Mychael Knight, Janelle Monae (who is the most beautiful and sweet woman. She seems to emulate a pure and magnetic soul), Tasha Smith, Lisa Raye, Ciara, Kim Porter, and Akon adorned the walls of 595 North (on North Ave. in Atlanta) for this creative artistic display of alter ego personalities captured and dreamed by the eye of crafted photographer Blanks. The "Alter Ego" almost shows the pull between good and evil, light and dark, Dr. Jekyll and Mr.Hyde, who I am before the public and who I am when no one is watching, and at times it just displays the many different personas to one being. Other celebrity clients include: T.I., Beyonce, Ludacris, and Usher.

T.I. who is a client of Blanks gave a surprise appearance and took a few pictures before graciously being left to gaze at the beauty that filled the studio with his adorable fiance Tiny. Tip was accompanied by Grand Hustle artists Big Kuntry and C-Rod. I have a short video above (to view video if you get this post via email or feed please log onto http://www.findentertainmentnow.blogspot.com/. Thanks!) of T.I.'s first night on the town since his arrest last fall here. I didn't want to be some stalkerazzi so the footage is short. T.I. is not able to interview at the present time. But look for him to be at certain events. Along with his community service he is not confined to his home but he does have to adhere to permissions and a strict curfew.

All celebrity guests who attended: Janelle Monae (a woman of light and heart) , Cee-Lo Green (oh how i love thee!), Tasha Smith, Tip, Bree (ANTM), Camille McDonald (ANTM), Cristal Steverson (Flava of Love/Charm School), Rashaun Ali (Hot 107.9 Atlanta), Big Kuntry, C-Rod, Tiny, Dorian (College Hill- ATL), Shavon (College Hill- ATL), Isreal Jacobs (College Hill- season 2) Mychael Knight, and Nicole Garner (a celebrity PR guru in her own right!).

I had a chance to speak to Camille McDonald from Cycle 2 of ANTM who has a new lingerie website. Please show her your support for http://www.lingerwear.com/. The pretty model was very pleasant and wants to express how she really is a kind person who is aiming to be a positive role model for your women. We all know how television can edit anything to make it look like a massacre for ratings sake. Along with her company Camille has been modeling over seas and in the U.S. for the past couple of years.

I ran into Cristal Steverson of Flava of Love and Charm School and found out that she is opening up a clothing boutique here in Atlanta this summer. The boutique is called, ME Boutique. Cristal's hair was very cute and she was very undiva like in her attitude and instead a real chill lady. I didn't like what I saw on television but again I have to remember that TV does not always make a person who they really are. Derek Blanks actually photographed Cristal with Ludacris some time ago.

April Love and Melanie Mitchell of Love Consulting you did such a wonderful job! Thank you for access.
And again Derek your artful talent is amazing. And all else i can say is..."Ooh mommy I want one!". I believe you will soar beyond your greatest mind's imagery if you continue to dare.

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

AK Tha Razor Man (Grand Hustle/PSC) New Music!

While Tip is away business is conducting like normal at Grand Hustle Records. Check out the new music from PSC member, AK. Below are songs (click on links to listen), "All I wanna do" and "Check my face card" from his latest coming album, "Check my face card". You can download for yourself from Verizon and AT&T wireless. It's the digital age baby! AK is good people man. He's real and he's loyal to his folks.

For those of you who want to see AK perform he will be at The Gold Bar (next to club Motions) on Friday April 4th with Greg Street. Save the date!

Speaking again of Grand Hustle...I am too excited that not only does Tip only get a year BUT that he is going to talk to youth for his community service. He's got this amazing opportunity to be a positive impact on kids. God can use a not so good situation for greatness.

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/

T.I.- The Final Word on his sentence

Tip leaving the courthouse after his hearing
Hannah Kang, Clay Evans and Lil Duval showin' love in the Grand Hustle Fam
Tip surrounded by friends, radio personalities and media

Below is the final word on T.I.'s situation. During his one year house arrest that is when he will be doing his community service, then he'll go to prison for a year (which he could get out a little early for good behavior) then he'll be on probation. So he will get to see his baby born. Amen.

From Sandra Rose
Atlanta rapper T.I. plead guilty to three weapons charges in federal court in Atlanta on Thursday. T.I. will remain on house arrest until his sentencing hearing a year from now.
If T.I. abides by the conditions set forth in his plea agreement, he will receive a prison sentence of one year plus one day. Because the sentence is longer than one year, Harris will be eligible to earn 15 percent time off for good behavior. Harris also was fined $100,000.

T.I. was accompanied to court by his pregnant girlfriend Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, and his entire Grand hustle family. Comedian Lil’ Duval (Jason Jeter, Alphamega, Hannah Kang, Clay Evans, and some staff members) were exited the court house with fists raised in victory. T.I. appeared relaxed and relieved as he spoke to the assembled media outside the court house.

The fact that their boss won’t spend the next 10 years in jail has lifted the funeral parlor atmosphere around the Grand Hustle facilities.
End

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/

The verdict is out- T.I. gets only a year and 10 years probation

The King of the South has been touched by an angel...T.I. to only get a year behind bars

So I got a call at 9:30 a.m. this morning from one of my friends from T.I.'s camp (PSC) and the word is-
The verdict is out- T.I. gets only a year in prison and 10 years probation. Now this news was known before the rapper's plea taking place at 1:30 p.m. today because it was shared with certain friends of T.I. that if the he plead guilty he could get a lessor sentence. Anyhow this sentence comes as good news when he was facing up to 15 years. His probation terms are not so bad since he still gets to do his job and travel out of state for concerts or shows. He faces a ton (1,500 hours!) of community service, and of course there is no drug use. Which is only a good thing for anybody, probation or not.

I'm sure that Cliff is grateful for this turn of events because it could have been much worse with him having 8 felonies!! I wonder if him going to church and having a baby has anything to do with this? Naw, maybe not since many people have been in this same situation and received NO mercy. This must be a result of prayer and the hand of God and his grace. Oh and a killer defense team boy!

I'm glad TIP gets to raise his family and hopefully be a positive change for the current generation. Stay grateful man and remember how blessed you are in this situation. This verdict is little more than a slap on the wrist. Wooooooooo! Yeah Grand Hustle lives on!!!

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/

T.I.'s Easter Sunday at New Birth i mean the Georgia Dome!

Tip n the gang (awww lil King is soooooo cute in his church suit!)
My favorite! Show him the way daddy!
Tip and Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

It was a mini celeb fest. You can count on getting folks to come out to church on Easter Sunday (15,000++ people strong at the Dome!). Anyway i ain't here to hate on the sometimers (i got my own ishness to work on...)but to post a pic or two of Tip and the fam from Easter. It seems as though the southern "king of the south" expected to be surrounded by the paparazzo (he knows he's newsworthy) so allowed a few photo opps (rather gracious...but if he didn't allow then they may have just taken anyway right...?!) during his time at church. He even got up and spoke, his message being on aids and "getting it right". I really like dude and am pulling for him and his family. Tiny is still tiny even though she is six months preggers! I tell ya now that chick is ride or die for real shawt. Do Tameka right Cliff.

You can see many more photos of the 2008 New Birth (Baptist) Easter at SandraRose's website. I just came back from out of town again, I don't have the energy to post most of what has already been done. I hope your holiday was reflective and loving. Holla!

Miesha
The Juice ReportER (don't let your kids eat all of that post Easter candy folks!)
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/

T.I. gets a happier Easter!

The "rubberband man" is bouncing into church this Sunday

T.I., Clifford Harris gets a happier Easter this year as he has been granted to attend this Sunday at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA. Accompanied by his attorney and a court approved monitor, our favorite little lock down rapper gets to attend services from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday. Dang I hope they chicken and waffles in church Tip "cuz you gone be hungry" (a lil ghetto slang for ya). Ahhh i joke, i joke. But real talk I bet he's just happy to get out for a while. And what better thing to do then spend time with God, friends and family.
This holiday temporary liberation grant may come as a pleasant surprise to the 27 year old star who was denied a request for a large Thanksgiving Day feast at his Jonesboro mansion (and it truly is...nicely decked out) by a judge last year. I hope that he enjoys, learns, and that a bunch of fans or nosey folks don't show up (maybe i should not have posted this...lol!) to make it a mockery, taking pictures and carrying on. C'mon don't act like you don't know how folks can be. I'm still praying for the family. Anyway...Happy Easter (and even though I do likes to eat, it's not about chocolate bunnies and eggs fam, but Jesus' resurrection) coming. I probably won't post tomorrow as it's Good Friday, or as I've named it, The Goodest Friday and I have it off.

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

T.I. is in court today, the BIG trial begins

I know you haven't forgotten what today is. Today is Tip's first day in court. His orginal court date was pushed back until this very day, causing of course frustration for the well missed rap sensation who wanted to get the ball rolling on his illegal weapons case. Well i really REALLY miss T.I. and am anxious for this trial to begin as well. I know that there's mucho negativity out there about the ghetto supastar, false or true but from this end, what's done is done, now is the time to send support.

Tip, who recently spoke with MTV News about the state of "the game" right now has been on house arrest instead of jail, by the grace of God while he awaited this day. Still house arrest is not the type of freedom that being able to travel and work outside of the home allots. I know he is ready! My prayers continue to go out for the Harris family and my friends at Grand Hustle. I will always stand behind yall 100%.

T.I. to MTV News:
“It’s a lot of bullsh** out right now, I’m not gonna front. I feel it’s definitely about time for somebody to come back out and kick this thing back in gear. The rotation is suffering right now. I intend to do something about it. It’s just a matter of when.”

His new album, "Paper Trial", that's he's been recording in his home studio (and it's very nice) in Jonesboro, GA where he has lived as he awaited trial, does not have a drop date yet...but Tip told MTV that his fans can expect to hear something different from him than they are used to. On T.I's "Let My Beat Pound":
"That’s gonna be a big record.” said Cliff. “It’s a different record. It’s a record I approached differently, and it don’t sound like a typical T.I. record. It’s basically about when you got your first car, one of the first things was to make sure your [sound] system was right. The love for the boomin’ system. It has the sentiments of LL Cool J’s ‘Boomin’ System,’ but it kind of sounds like a Sir Mix-A-Lot [song]. It’s kinda got the mood and tempo of ‘Posse on Broadway,’ but it’s outta here.”
T.I. noted, "Let My Beat Pound" would more than likely "serve the same purpose as 'Top Back' did on King."
and promised that fans will get their money's worth!

Young Dro, who also has a new album dropping this year, co-signed for T.I. on the Grammy's red carpet telling cameras not only is his friend and label mate focused on writing for "Paper Trail" but he's putting his ryhmes on paper. MMMMM...paper trail it is!

We look forward to it Tip. Come on back, we need you in the game homie!

Miesha
The Juice ReportER
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

AK Tha Razor Man (Grand Hustle/PSC) album release party!

AK don't smile...
Well maybe a little...it must've been my perfume... :)

Me and Lawanda (yes the photo cut the top part of my head out...how kind. But isn't Lawanda too cute??!!)

This past weekend was a busy one for me, on one of those evenings I had the privilege to attend an album release party for AK Tha Razor Man (Akeem Lawal) in downtown Atlanta. AK is known to be a member of Grand Hustle's PSC and what better time to come out with his hot new album, "My face Card" .And faithful to tha man's moniker, his lyrics will quickly slice you. T.I. is currently recording an album, "Paper Trail" however since he is on house arrest making moves from his home studio (which is pretty nice I can say) he isn't able to tour or make outside appearances that help albums to further explode (although the controversy surrounding his situation alone might blow him up real nice). AK, like other Grand Hustle artists, Dro, Kuntry, Drama, Alphamega and Mac Boney are working hard in the studio because they got something to say, have their man's back and plan to keep Grand Hustle standing strong. I know Tip is pleased he isn't the only Grand Hustler.

The party was scattered with djs, producers, family and friends. It had an intimate kin folk environment to it. I could tell there was real love and respect in the crowd mixed in with a bunch of working, fun, industry folks. I laughed so hard at certain points nervous that the spicy chicken wings I was inhaling might become an uncomfortable part of my esophagus. Shout out to AK's right hand, Lawanda for wonderfully hosting this due affair.

Yeah he's cool. And he's a talented rapper that you need to look out for. Ak's the kind of guy who's down for a real friend. He is genuine and doesn't have an ounce of phony in him. I dig that and you should too with an industry so full of bullISH that can be straight up foul! Check out AK's album, "My Face Card", dropping on 2/12/08. Later I'll let you know where you can get your copy. He is currently recording the 1st video from the album's single, "All we wanna do" that will play on youtube soon. The second single off of the album is "Check my face card". Oh and his 29th birthday is this month too. He's having a huge party at a killer mansion in Dunwoody exactly one week from today...good times via publicist Kim Ellis.

Learn more about some of this razor artist and hear his music at www.myspace.com/akrazorman

Happy birthday A and congrats on your new album! Dude is serious!

Miesha (a.k.a. lady in red...for that night at least!)
The Juice ReportER (this post the flavor is red koolaid! man i miss being 5!)
contact me at info@FindEntertainmentNow.com