"MillIion DJ March on Washington"

DJs, recording artists, and activists are being called on to rally in Washington DC this summer at the "Million DJ March," in an attempt to shed light on issues affecting DJs.

The three day event - which will be held on August 28 -30 - will find DJs raising their voices for better compensation, security, recognition for contributions to the music industry and an organized union for professional DJs, as they march from the Capitol Building to the Washington Monument.

DJ Green Lantern is the face of the event, while A. Shaw, a long-time sponsor of Justo's Mixtape Awards, is heading up the whole thing.

"DJ's do not get fully recognized for the work they do," Shaw said in a statement. "Label and major businesses who reap the rewards of default publicity need to pay attention and give more recognition and financial compensation to DJs for the promotion they provide, without which music sales would surely suffer."

Sometimes, DJs even face legal repercussions for that promotion, a practice the rally will also address.

"[DJs are] often harassed and legally penalized for their promotional efforts even when those efforts have been solicited directly by the labels and artists themselves: an arrangement that is known about throughout the industry but kept 'on the low," the press release reads.

"I am calling upon the industry to show support for an event to unify deejays and help create future economic safety for those that have chosen this art form as a career ," Shaw said.

Sponsors and attendees will be treated to artist performances, speeches by music industry leaders and founding DJs.

Visit myspace.com/themilliondjmarch for more info.

Diddy Wants to be The Black Bruce Willis

Sean “Diddy” Combs wants to become the next big thing in Hollywood.

The rapper-turned-actor told the press at the ceremony honoring his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, “I think that it’s important for me to mature and evolve as an artist. I’m trying to get my Black Bruce Willis on.”

P. Diddy is looking forward to proving himself as an actor.

He said, “I’m trying to get Michael Bay to shoot me, have a hot soundtrack. But I also realize I have a lot of work to do as an actor and I gotta prove myself.”

The Black Bruce Willis recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was joined by his ex-girlfriend Kim Porter, his mom, his kids, L.A Reid and Jamie Foxx.

50 Cent Gets His Chain Robbed in Africa

Rap superstar 50 Cent had his diamond-encrusted chain stolen by an overzealous fan during a recent concert in Africa.

The rapper was performing in Angola with his G-Unit crew when one man jumped up onto the stage and snatched the bling bling from his neck.

In the video, the assailant can be seen running off with the chain as 50 Cent and his entourage chase after him.

The G-Unit boss caught up with the thief and allegedly punched him in the face before claiming back his prized possession.

A source tells TMZ, “The chain is around 50’s neck right now.”

Check out the video of 50 gettin his chain snatched....

Jay-Z Sets Up Trust Fund For Sean Bell's Kids

People often complain about hip-hop not showing up for things like this, but rap citizens have stepped up in a variety of ways on this one. Not that any rap philanthropy is enough to bring solace or justice here.

The hip hop community has had different replies to the Sean Bell verdict. The Game, David Banner, Swizz Beatz, Talib Kweli, Styles P, Jadakiss, Mos Def and more have been openly upset at the verdict. Game even released a new track and now Jay-Z is giving his response. Jay-Z has established an educational trust for the children of Sean Bell. Jay-Z is reportedly closely working with Sean Bell’s widow, Nicole Paultre Bell, to institute the trust funds for both of their children.

Rapper Jay-Z has established an education trust fund for the children of Sean Bell - the man who was shot and killed by New York police on the day of his wedding, according to reports from AllHipHop.

The Hip-Hop mogul, born Shawn Carter, has close ties to the case, as ads from his "I Will Not Lose" Rocawear campaign featured the children's mother, Nicole Paultre-Bell, who married her fiance posthumously. The woman's participation in the ad sparked outrage and accusations of trial tampering.

A source close to the matter told AllHipHop that the process of setting up the fund began before the trial that recently acquitted three NYPD detectives on all charges related to the death. Activity was suspended during the trial and has now resumed.

The stock-based fund will mature when Jada, 5, and Jordan, 1, become adults.

Heres the AD

Man Arrested Trying To Cash $360 Billion Check

Police in Texas said a 21-year-old man was arrested and accused of trying to cash a check for $360 billion.Police in Fort Worth said they arrested Charles Fuller last week when bank tellers noticed the ridiculously large amount and called the woman whose name was on the check.

The woman said Fuller is her daughter’s boyfriend, but she had not given him a check — and certainly not one for billions of dollars.

Fuller has been charged with fraud, police said.

Police said they found 2 ounces of marijuana and a gun in his pockets when they arrested him, so he also faces charges for unlawfully carrying a weapon and possession of marijuana.

According to reports Fuller claimed that the money was given to him by his girlfriend’s mother to start a record label.

I have no further questions your honor.

Swizz Beats and Mashonda Divorce

Swizz Beats and RnB singer Mashonda decided that it was finally time to get a divorce. Like a lot of music couples, this one just didn't work out. They were married for 4 years prior to the divorce. They have a son together who both still plan on taking care of. It seems as if they have separated on good terms which is good to see. Swizz Beats currently runs Full Surface Records which is the record company Mashonda sings for. Mashonda has a album due out in 2008 entitled Back to Business.
Here’s their official statement:

“Swizz Beatz and Mashonda have agreed to seperate on amicable terms. Their union was one shared in love and deep admiration for one another. For the last seven months, the two have been working on establishing a formidable friendship, being great parents to their son, and remaining great supporters of each other’s careers.The couple has agreed to continue their entrepeneurial spirit. Mashonda is set to launch a new luxury swimwear line, a musical venture , and beginning an arts based school for children. Swizz is hard at work producing for a number of artists, and on his follow up album through Universal Motown Records. The couple has asked that their privacy be respected at this time.”

Wesley Snipes Sentenced to 3 Years in Jail

This isn’t rap-related but I just found it interesting to read the letters that Denzel Washington and Woody Harrelson submitted to the judge who will be sentencing Wesley Snipes on his tax-fraud charges Thursday. Prosecutors have already asked the judge to throw the book at Snipes. You know, make a real example of the actor/martial-arts enthusiast/father of five. He may not get the pre-requisite Hollywood DUI every 6 months like the people who fill up The Green Door or Phillipe’s, but he is more offensive to the mainstream because of his other anti-establishment tendencies.

It’s not my place to say how Wesley should be punished for his crime. Nor is it my place to judge that crime in relation to other corporate white-collar cases, or high-profile celebrity cases.

But can appreciate how this kind of show of friendship is rare.

Denzel Washington’s character reference excerpt:

“I was fortunate enough to meet Wesley Snipes over 20 years ago and have called him a friend since that first day…Wesley is like a tree - a mighty oak. He stands for so many, “like a tree, planted by streams of water with leaves that do not wither.” Many who know him have witnessed the fruit of his labors, have sat in his shade and even been protected by his presence. I am proud of him, proud to call him a fellow thespian and most importantly, proud to call him a friend. I hope that sharing my observations will assist you in making the appropriate decision in his case.”
Woody Harrelson’s character reference excerpt:

“My first movie was also his first movie, Wildcats with Goldie Hawn. Both of us were 23 and our birthdays are only one week apart. I was, along with Goldie’s character, the only Caucasian associated with the team. A few of the folks on the production were followers of Louis Farrakhan. It was the first time I experienced racism towards me. This was challenging and what could have been an ugly situation turned out to be quite the opposite. Wes took the time to discuss and dissect the issue of racism with all of us…he strives for rightness in all his relations and I realized early on what a true citizen of the world Wes is. He continues to earn my respect to this day.”

A federal judge on Thursday April 24th sentenced the actor Wesley Snipes to three years in prison for willfully failing to file tax returns.Snipes, who was convicted in February, received one year for each count, to be served consecutively, and an additional year of probation. The sentence was handed down by Judge William Terrell Hodges of Federal District Court.