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Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter was and still is a big name in the music business. Today, we can see the Empire State of Mind rapper basking in the solace of success along with his wife Beyoncé, who also boasts multiple accolades for her work in the music industry just like him.

But there was a time when Jay-Z struggled to get signed by record labels and things weren’t looking too great for his aspirations as a rapper. This was one of the reasons that led to the creation of Roc-a-Fella Records. Carter, along with record executives Dame Dash and Kareem Burke started the label under which he released his debut album Reasonable Doubt.

Jay-Z | Credits: Mikamote, licensed under Cc By Sa 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While the company functioned for nearly two decades before going defunct, there was a disagreement between Carter and Dash that would’ve ended things much earlier.

“I’m home!” Lauryn Hill bellowed to the packed crowd at Newark’s Prudential Center. Her DJ, who performs as DJ Reborn, had properly set the tone for the night with an extended-minute medley of Nineties hits — though they didn’t need much of a primer. The crowd was predominantly filled with spectators who looked like they were in Hill and the Fugees’ age bracket and had experienced the wonder of 1998’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in real-time.

Hill’s sole solo album has sold over 20 million units — initially...

Gospel and secular music are often viewed as distinct spheres with little to no overlap. But don’t tell that to writer-producer Warryn Campbell, who has been hopping industry fences between rap, R&b, and gospel for two decades — and won Grammy awards for his work in each genre.

That makes him a natural resource for Kanye West, who has recently and enthusiastically embraced faith after more than 15 years in the largely secular trenches. Campbell met a young West before he embarked on a rap career, and the two have...

On Saturday, Jay Z performed the first of two nights of his B-sides shows exclusively for Tidal subscribers. He performed the classics, reunited with Beanie Sigel and the rest of Roc-a-Fella Records' State Property, and brought out Jay Electronica and Jeezy. But in case the corporate sponsorship — though it is Jay Z's own corporation, to be fair — was lost on anyone in the crowd, Hov also did a rare freestyle in which he attempted to shame us all for glamorizing Apple, YouTube, and Spotify while giving Tidal the cold shoulder. Here's a full transcript of the freestyle: And I don’t need no middle man to talk to my niggas I understand if you don’t understand, I figure I’m Jigga That’s where we differ I take what’s mine, you accept what they give ya, I get ya I don’t take no checks, I take...

Beanie Sigel - who was once on Jay Z's label Roc-a-Fella Records - is in critical condition following a shooting last week, according to reports. Though he was not the intended target, Sigel, 40, whose real name is Dwight Grant, was shot outside a New Jersey home on Friday after he had just returned from dropping his kids off at school, authorities say. "Apparently, there was a struggle of some type, which led to Mr. Grant being shot and that is all we have at this point," Pleasantville Police Chief Jose Ruiz told the Associated Press. Sigel was listed in critical condition,...

Beanie Sigel is currently hospitalized after suffering a severe gun shot wound outside of his New Jersey home. The rapper, whose real name is Dwight Grant, was hit in the stomach by a bullet that traveled out his back, police said. He was taken to a hospital's trauma unit with a life-threatening injury and underwent surgery, Sigel's attorney, Fortunato Perri, Jr., told an NBC affiliate. His current condition is unknown. The shooting, which seemed to be sparked from an altercation with happened around 9:20 a.m. Friday morning outside his home along the 800 block of Spruce Avenue in Pleasantville, N.J., police said. Perri, Jr. said the 40-year-old rapper had just returned home from dropping his kids...

Welcome home, Beanie Sigel. The rapper (born Dwight Grant) was released from a Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia today after spending nearly a year and a half behind bars for drug possession. When contacted by E! News, an officer at the Pennsylvania institution confirmed that the name Dwight Grant "is not in the system for current inmates." A photo of Sigel after his release was posted on the Instagram account for HipHopSince1987 with a caption that read, "Fresh out the federal ... Beanie Sigel home." Sigel, who was already serving time behind bars  after Pennsylvania State Police found unspecified pills and codeine syrup on him and a .38-caliber handgun in the car during a...

Beanie Sigel is going to have the same view for a while longer. The This Time rapper, who's been behind bars since Pennsylvania State Police found unspecified pills and codeine syrup on him and a .38-caliber handgun in the car during a traffic stop last August, was sentenced today to between six and 23 months in prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanor illegal drug possession. His arrest occurred not long before before Sigel (born Dwight Grant) was due to report for a two-year prison sentence for tax evasion—a stretch that Sigel's attorney is hoping his client will be able to serve concurrently with his time for the drug charge. "Mr. Grant has been a successful entertainer and musician...

Media, Pa. — Rapper Beanie Sigel was sentenced Wednesday to six to 23 months in prison after pleading guilty to a narcotics possession charge in a Philadelphia suburb.

Sigel, whose real name is Dwight Grant, entered the plea to a misdemeanor count of illegal possession of Percocet, a painkiller, The Delaware County Daily Times () reported. Sigel has been behind bars since his Aug. 29 arrest following a traffic stop in Tinicum Township just hours after the release of his latest solo album, "This Time." http://bit.ly/169dIDU

Defense attorney Carson Morris called his client a successful entertainer who had made some mistakes, but said "he's ready to go ahead and put that behind him and move on with his life."

"Mr. Grant has been a successful entertainer and musician in the Philadelphia community for decades," Morris said. "Obviously, he's had an incredible amount of success and opportunity in his life. He's also made some mistakes,...

Well, this'll certainly make good fodder for a rap song someday. We just need to think of a rhyme for "got arrested again two weeks before turning yo'self in for a two-year prison stint resulting from tax evasion." But Beanie Sigel, the Broad Street Bully rapper known for his work with Jay-z and Snoop Dogg, will probably have a better grasp on that than us. Seeing as he was, ya know, arrested again this morning (Aug. 29), just a fortnight shy of hitting the clink for previous charges. "A traffic stop was initiated on a tan Ford Fusion bearing for following too closely and swerving out of their travel lane," the police report indicates of the arrest that occurred at 3:14 this morning in...

Rapper Beanie Sigel -- famous for his work with Jay-z and Snoop Dogg -- was arrested early this morning in Philly for drugs and gun possession ... 2 weeks before he's supposed to turn himself in to prison for a separate crime.As we previously reported, Sigel was sentenced to two years in the big house for failing to file tax returns for the years 2003, 2004, and 2005 -- stiffing the IRS out of more than $700k in back taxes.

Rapper Beanie Sigel has been sentenced to two years in prison for not paying his taxes, after pleading guilty to not paying some $700,000 owed between the years 1999 and 2005. Sigel has until Sept. 12 to surrender himself and start serving his time. The decision comes not long after Lauryn Hill was convicted of similar charges. According to TMZ, Sigel accepts “total responsibility” for his non-payment, but claims that his family members “spent him dry” when he was locked up back in 2004 and 2005 on drug and gun charges. Sigel told the court, “I haven’t been ...

Rapper Beanie Sigel has been sentenced to spend two years behind bars for stiffing the IRS out of more than $700k in back taxes. Sigel -- who's worked with some of the biggest names in rap including Jay-z and Snoop -- had previously pled guilty to not filing federal tax returns for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. During today's sentencing hearing in U.S District Court in Philadelphia ... Beanie told the judge he accepts "total responsibility" ... but...

'He said a few words, that I'm gonna keep private forever, that really touched my heart,' Tone tells Mixtape Daily.

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ade Mangum

Tone Trump

Photo: MTV News

Fire Starter: Tone Trump

Essential info: It's no secret that Philadelphia is a hotbed for hip-hop talent. In the 1980s, it was Schoolly D who helped put Philly on the map with his 1986 hip-hop classic "P.S.K. What Does It Mean?" Of course, the Fresh Prince followed a few years later, then the Roots. In the late 1990s, Jay-z introduced Beanie Sigel to the world, and Maybach Music's Meek Mill is currently the city's most recognizable rap figure.

Still more and more raw rap talent continues to break out of Illadelphia's borders, and the latest contender, Tone Trump, was handpicked by Young Jeezy. These days, a street rapper can't get a bigger co-sign.

"A couple of days ago,...

'It can be done,' Face tells 'RapFix Live' of getting old pal Jay-z to guest on collaboration album.

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Scarface on "RapFix Live"

Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News

It all started in 1999 when Beanie Sigel enlisted Scarface to rap on "Mac & Brad," an album cut off of his fiery debut, The Truth. Thirteen years later, rap fans are still eagerly awaiting a Sigel/Face collaboration.

So the longtime friends have decided to give the people an entire album's worth. The Houston rap legend estimates that the album will be out sometime next year, but when he swung through "RapFix Live" this week, he gave an update on the LP and then fumbled around for his iPhone to let the Broad Street Bully tell it himself.

"We doin' songs, I got six, he got six," Scarface said. "It's a process that we go through to do this album.

Wednesday's show will also pay tribute to fallen Beastie Boy Adam 'McA' Yauch.

By Rob Markman

Travis Porter

Photo: Getty Images

There's no telling what's going to happen on Wednesday's "RapFix Live" when host Sway Calloway brings Atlanta's wild boys Travis Porter and hip-hop legend Scarface to the red couch.

Ali, Quez and Strap of Travis Porter have been on their rap grind for quite a few years, but now that they're getting set to release their major-label debut, From Day 1, on May 29, things really look to be paying off. Tp's first official album features 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Tyga, Mac Miller and Mike Posner, but more importantly will be filled with the same type of rambunctious party starters that the trio has hung their hat on. So "Rfl" fans can expect the same type of energy when Travis Porter make their way onto the MTV News set on Wednesday at 4 p.

Join the hip-hop trio Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com

By Rob Markman

Future, DJ Khaled and Juvenile

Photo: Getty Images

"RapFix Live" is ready to turn up. Last week, Sway welcomed Ace Hood and Tde's Schoolboy Q on the red couch, but this week, he'll have to make even more room because Future, DJ Khaled and Juvenile will all be stopping by to kick it Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com.

On Tuesday, Future is dropping his debut album, Pluto. To celebrate, he will swing through the "RapFix" set and make an appearance on MTV's new weekly talk show "Hip Hop Pov" on Wednesday. The "Tony Montana" rapper's first shot features R. Kelly, T.I., Juicy J, Snoop Dogg and Trae Tha Truth. His single "Magic" peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B charts, and his next record, "Same Damn Time," is starting to bubble as well.

Hov was only supposed to contribute an ad-lib, but he and Beanie Sigel ended up dropping verses, Free recalls on 'RapFix Live.'

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Freeway and Sway Calloway

Photo: MTV News

Freeway has quite a few gems in his catalog, one being the Jay-z and Beanie Sigel-assisted single "What We Do" from his 2003 debut, Philadelphia Freeway. The trio trade vivid verses filled with sarcastic regret over a Just Blaze-produced soul beat.

While the track remains a fan favorite, Free admitted on Wednesday's "RapFix Live" that he originally planned for the song to be a solo affair. Freeway recalled recording the track at Roc-a-Fella's Bassline Studios in New York City. On any given night, the entire Roc roster would be milling about the studio, and the bearded Mc often sought musical advice from his labelmates.

"It was always that family vibe that they said was around.

'At one point in time, we were a family,' Freeway tells 'RapFix Live' of Jay-z/Damon Dash era.

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Freeway and Sway

Photo: MTV News

Roc-a-Fella Records was once one of the most storied labels and rap crews in the business. Under the guidance of Jay-z, Damon Dash and Kareem "Burke" Biggs, artists like Kanye West, Beanie Sigel, Cam'ron, Memphis Bleek and Freeway were able to carve out careers for themselves that would carry on even after the label disbanded.

On Wednesday's "RapFix Live" with host Sway, Free discussed the last days of the Roc, the separation that existed between the record label's subdivisions and how he was able to bounce back.

"At one point in time we were a family. The whole thing about Roc-a-Fella that they pride themselves on is the family structure," Freeway said of the label that was...

Philly Mc will talk his post-Roc career and State Property reunion at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com.

By Rob Markman

Freeway

Photo: Gregg Delman

After celebrating the one-year anniversary of "RapFix Live" in grand fashion, MTV News' live hip-hop show returns for year two with Freeway on Wednesday.

Last week, Lloyd Banks, Maino, Diplomats capo Jim Jones, Consequence, the Outlawz, Reek Da Villian, Superstar Jay and DJ Love Dinero all crashed the couch and toasted to "RapFix Live" and the year that was. Now, Philadelphia Mc Freeway will set off year two. In 2003, Free dropped his debut album on Roc-a-Fella Records and, in the label's heyday, stood as one of the Roc's most loyal soldiers. Through his career, Philly Freezer has earned a rep as one of the game's most-skilled spitters, going head-to-head with rappers like Cassidy and Jaz-o.

Post-Roc-a-Fella, the State Property Mc carried on, releasing his sophomore album,...

Consequence, Lloyd Banks, Trina, Maino and the Outlawz will also join Sway at 4 p.m. on MTV.com for anniversary show.

By Rob Markman

The Diplomats appear on "RapFix Live" in January

Photo: MTV News

It's party time! "RapFix Live" is celebrating its one-year anniversary today at 4 p.m. on MTV.com with special guests Lloyd Banks, Trina, Maino and the Outlawz. That's not all: Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey of the Diplomats will also grace the "RapFix Live" couch, as well as Consequence and Reek Da Villain.

Hosted by hip-hop aficionado and MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway, "RapFix Live" has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for all things hip-hop — including exclusive interviews with Lil Wayne, Bad Meets Evil cohorts Eminem and Royce Da 5'9", Dr. Dre, Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose, the Game, Diddy and Beanie Sigel, among others — and has served up more than...

Maino, the Outlawz also join host Sway on the red couch for one-year anniversary live stream Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com.

By Rob Markman

Lloyd Banks and Sway on "RapFix Live" in November 2010

Photo: MTV News

What a year! From the ascent of Wiz Khalifa to the rise of Rick Ross' Maybach Music empire; from Lil Wayne's 2010 prison release to T.I.'s latest incarceration; from the tragic death of Nate Dogg to the murder of M-Bone; not to mention the release of the highly anticipated Watch the Throne and Tha Carter IV, "RapFix Live" has been the number one source of all things hip-hop.

After 12 months of hard work, MTV News will celebrate on the "RapFix Live" one-year anniversary show, set to kick off Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com. Lloyd Banks, Maino, Trina and the Outlawz will join host Sway in taking...

'As a young boy ... you had dreams of shooting a big video in your 'hood,' Philly Mc tells MTV News of gritty clip.

By Rob Markman

Meek Mill

Photo: Jerritt Clark/ FilmMagic

It has been a breakout year for Meek Mill, and in his video for "Ima Boss," the Rick Ross protégé wanted to celebrate all things Philly.

"It felt good, man. That's what I always had dreams to do," Mill told MTV News about making a clip in his hometown. "As a young boy, you wanted to be a rapper, you had dreams of shooting a big video in your 'hood, everybody showing you love. It went exactly as planned."

Before Meek, rappers like State Property's Beanie Sigel, Freeway and Young Chris were the premier torchbearers for the city, and together they all appear in "Ima Boss."

"You know, they just came through and rocked out with me,...

Beanie Sigel has pleaded guilty to tax evasion. The rapper entered his plea in a Philadelphia federal court on Tuesday, admitting that he failed to file income tax returns from 2003 to 2005, reports The AP. Sigel is said to owe $$350,000 (£217,000) on an estimated $$1 million (£620,000) of unreported profits and could face up to three years in prison upon his sentencing on November 18. However, his attorney Fortunato Perri Jr said that he would appeal to the judge for lenience as well as a recalculation of the owed sum. "We (more)...

Jay-z's former protégé is facing up to three years in prison.

By Rob Markman

Beanie Sigel

Photo: MTV News

Things aren't looking too good for Beanie Sigel. The Mc's lawyer Fortunato Perri Jr. confirmed to MTV News on Wednesday (August 10) that the former Jay-z rap protégé is now facing up to three years in prison after he admitted in federal court on Tuesday that he didn't file or pay taxes between 2003 and 2005.

U.S. prosecutors estimate that the rapper owes approximately $350,000 on $1 million of unreported income; Beans subsequently pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to file his federal income tax returns. Beans will be sentenced on November 18, when he could get as much as three years' prison time.

His attorney, however, doesn't believe that the government's calculations are entirely accurate. "We intend to raise issues at the sentencing hearing which we believe will change those loss figures," Perri Jr.

Roc-a-Fella co-founder opens up on Shade 45's 'Sway in the Morning.'

By Rob Markman

Damon Dash on "Sway in the Morning"

Photo: MTV News

The once-flamboyant Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash is now in debt. In July, The Detroit News reported that the music mogul and Jay-z's former business partner owes almost $3 million in back taxes, according to a tax lien filed June 30.

On Friday, Dash visited the "Sway in the Morning" radio show on Shade 45 and spoke to host and MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway about his recent troubles with the IRS. After being asked about owing "$2 million," Dash quickly set the record straight: "I owe way more than $2 million in taxes. That must've just been the IRS," Dash said, laughing, before admitting that he was in a bad space financially. "Nah, nah, I'm f---ed up."

Dame made his mark alongside Jay-z and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in the mid-1990s.

'It felt like old Roc-a-Fella, Bassline days,' Def Jam A&R rep Lenny Santiago tells MTV News.

By Rob Markman

Jay-z recording <i>Watch The Throne</i>

Photo: Life + Times

It's finally here. On Monday, fans across the world can finally experience Jay-z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne, the joint project that was first announced on August 27, 2010, via Yeezy's Twitter. Now, almost a year later, the highly anticipated album is available for purchase. Only a select few can say that they were along for the ride, and senior VP of A&R at Def Jam, Lenny Santiago, is one of those people.

Last month, MTV News secured 12 exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the famed Wtt recording sessions, which took place in New York City, Australia and Paris. Lenny S., who was present for much of the album's recording, breaks down the story behind two of the photos.

Check out the...

'I would cry for a minute, I was dancing, I was happy,' Sigel says on 'RapFix Live' of last weekend's show.

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Beanie Sigel

Photo: MTV News

As far as rap crews go, Philadelphia's State Property were emerging as one of hip-hop's most promising collectives until they were torn apart by business tiffs and legal drama.

Signed to Roc-a-Fella Records, State Property and group leader Beanie Sigel lost steam after label co-CEOs Jay-z and Damon Dash parted ways and Beans went on to serve a 10-month stint in prison that ended in 2005. But this past weekend, Sp reunited onstage in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a show that Beanie said brought tears to his eyes.

"The whole State Property was there, everybody: Chris, Neef, Oschino, Sparks, Freeway, Peedi Crack and me, all seven of us. That was love," Sigel said during his visit to "RapFix Live" on Wednesday.

Philly Mc concedes Hov 'gave me an opportunity,' but said press mistook his gratitude as an apology for dis tracks lobbed at Jay.

By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Beanie Sigel on "RapFix Live"

Photo: MTV News

Despite the lyrical vitriol Beanie Sigel shot Jay-z's way beginning in 2009, the Philadelphia Mc is still grateful for the opportunity the rapper-turned-mogul gave him when he was just a budding Roc-a-Fella Records artist. However, during Beans' visit to MTV News' "RapFix Live" on Wednesday (July 6), he stopped short of saying he had apologized for his sharp words.

XXLMag.com previously reported that the "The Truth" rapper expressed contrition after his Hov comments. But Beans, without specifically naming the outlet, said he felt the interview focused more on the controversy than his current projects, so much so that he still hasn't bothered to read it.

"I had a interview with...

With an offer from 50 Cent on the table, Beans tells 'Rap Fix Live' his old pal and onetime boss said, 'I can't let you go.'

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Beanie Sigel on "RapFix Live"

Photo: MTV News

Beanie Sigel put his entire career in retrospect on Wednesday's (July 6) "RapFix Live." Once an intergal part of Jay-z and Damon Dash's Roc-a-Fella Records, Beanie Sigel — like most of the label's roster — was suddenly on the outside looking in once the label split.

Not only was Beans left in limbo, the Philadelphia Mc was in the midst of legal troubles at the time. Upon his release from prison in 2005, Sigel secured a deal with 50 Cent's G-Unit Records. And according to Beans, all he needed was a release from his Def Jam contract from Jay-z, who happened to be the label president at that time.

"When I first got out of jail,...

Philly Mc will talk about his Jay-z drama and his future moves next Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com.

By Rob Markman

Beanie Sigel and Jay-z in 2007

Photo: Getty Images

Some call him the Truth, others call him the Reason, but most just call him Beanie Sigel. And next Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et, we'll call the former Roc-a-Fella rapper our guest when he joins Sway on "RapFix Live."

There will be much to talk about with the Philadelphia Mc as we will address his relationship with Jay-z, the brash comments he's made about Hov and the apology he supposedly issued to Jigga at the top of June.

Last week, during a radio appearance on Sirius Xm, the Broad Street Bully denied that he ever apologized to Jay-z and charged that his quotes were taken out of context by Xxl magazine, the outlet that first broke the news of Beans' supposed olive branch.

Former Roc-a-Fella Records producer tells 'RapFix Live' the Diplomats Mc told him: 'You should've been Dipset.'

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Just Blaze

Photo: Rich Sancho/ MTV News

At its height, there were few labels as compelling as the now-defunct Roc-a-Fella Records. Not only was the label anchored by Jay-z, but in the early 2000s, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel and Cam'ron all had their collective cliques under the Roc umbrella, and at the center of it all was label producer Just Blaze. Having to balance relationships between the competitive sub-camps got difficult at times, and during Wednesday's "RapFix Live," Just broke down his fallout with former Roc signee Cam'ron.

"Obviously, there was a division starting to happen between the camps," Just told MTV News' Sway Calloway. "Whereas Roc-a-Fella used to encompass Get Low, State Property, Diplomats, M.O.P., all of a sudden you start...

Crimestoppers tip and alleged confessions lead to arrests in Staten Island, New York.

By Gil Kaufman

DJ Megatron

Photo: Scott Wintrow/ Getty Images

Two men have been arrested for the murder of DJ Megatron. The New York radio personality, hip-hop promoter and television host was shot and killed near his home in Staten Island on March 27.

According to NY1, Richard Cromwell, 20, and William Williams, 21, were charged on Wednesday with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, stolen property and robbery. Megatron was laid to rest on Tuesday, nine days after he was shot once in the chest while walking to a store near his home.

NBC New York reported that detectives believe the murder may have been a result of a robbery gone bad. It is unknown if the suspects were acquaintances of Megatron. A Crimestoppers tip led to the arrest of Williams, who then reportedly confessed to the murder and robbery.

Radio and TV personality was killed early Sunday morning at age 32.

By James Montgomery

DJ Megatron

Photo: Scott Wintrow/ Getty Images

DJ Megatron, the radio personality, hip-hop promoter and television host, was shot and killed early Sunday morning near his home in Staten Island, according to The New York Times. He was 32.

Born Corey McGriff, Megatron first made his name in Staten Island hip-hop circles as a promoter of local artists, something he continued during his stint as a DJ on famed New York radio station Hot 97, where he had risen from an intern to an on-air sidekick of popular personality Fatman Scoop. He had also worked at stations in Boston and Philadelphia. In recent months, Megatron had started to gain national exposure thanks to his appearances on Bet's "106 & Park," where he'd hype up the in-studio audience during commercial breaks and conduct frank — and hilarious — man-on-the-street interviews.

"He will truly be missed,...

New York -- Urban radio and TV personality DJ Megatron, who built a career at hip-hop and R&B radio stations from Philadelphia to Boston and told viewers of a popular music TV show "What's Good," was shot to death early Sunday, his manager and police said.

The occasional Bet television segment host was killed while heading to a store near his home on New York City's Staten Island around 2 a.m., said his manager Justin Kirkland, known as J. Smoove.

The 32-year-old deejay, born Corey McGriff, was found dead with a gunshot wound to his chest, police said. No arrests had been made.

His manager said friends and relatives had no idea why anyone might have attacked a deejay known for his upbeat, amiable attitude.

"He probably had one of the best personalities around . super-positive, happy all the time," Kirkland said.

Rising to the on-air ranks after starting as an intern,...

Rapper Beanie Sigel is facing a lawsuit over a shooting at his 35th birthday party which allegedly left a reveler with serious injuries. The hip-hop star, real name Dwight Grant, hosted a bash at a nightclub in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania back in 2009 but the event descended into chaos when Tyheem Baker was allegedly shot in the chest as the rapper performed on stage.

He was hospitalized with fractured ribs and bullet fragments lodged in his lungs.

Baker is now suing Sigel over the alleged incident, he filed papers at the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County, claiming the unknown individual who shot him should never have been allowed into the Club Solo venue with a gun.

The lawsuit alleges Baker was shot as a direct result of the "joint and concurrent negligent, reckless, intentional, willful (sic) and wanton conduct of the defendants," who also include nightclub bosses, media group Clear...

Two of rap's undisputed hip-hop kings began drafting the blueprint for their upcoming joint LP more than a decade ago.

By Jayson Rodriguez

Kanye West and Jay-z

Photo: Lester Cohen Archive/ WireImage/ Getty Images

Jay-z and Kanye West are undoubtedly hip-hop royalty, so it's only fitting the pair titled their forthcoming joint effort Watch the Throne. The credits between the two justify the name: multiple Grammy nods, millions of sales and trend-setting moves. The standout rappers kicked off their project with the release of their first single "H.A.M." first thing Tuesday (January 11), and now, MTV News looks back at the pivotal moments that led to this event.

Click for photos of Jay-z & Kanye West's history together.

"Izzo (H.O.V.A.)"

When Kanye met Jay: In 2001, the upstart producer powered Hov's breakout hit from his classic LP The Blueprint and, in the process, reignited (along with Just Blaze...

Jay touches on miscarriage, his assault charge, Bono and more in the memoir/ lyrical breakdown.

By Hillary Crosley and Rahman Dukes

Jay-z

Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

On Tuesday (November 16), Jay-z released his book "Decoded," explaining the history behind some of his most infamous lines. MTV News took a peek at the collection and selected a few topics and metaphors that surprised even us, the most avid of Hov followers:

Jay-z on Bono

Jay-z's larger-than-life influence has reached far beyond the realm of hip-hop. The Mc has been closely affiliated with some of pop music's biggest entertainers, including Linkin Park, Coldplay's Chris Martin and U2 frontman Bono. Early in "Decoded," Jay elaborated on his relationship with Bono and his first impressions of the singer.

"The writer had asked me about the U2 record that was about to be released and I said something about the kind of pressure a group...

'It's kind of important for people to realize I'm a producer also,' he tells Mixtape Daily.

By Jayson Rodriguez

Kanye West

Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Cornerstone Credentials: Kanye West

We all know Kanye West raps — and sometimes directs short films — but the Chicago superstar wants to make it clear that he's still a problem behind the boards.

'Ye is responsible for some of the most soulful hip-hop tracks of all time, from Beanie Sigel's wailing "Nothing Like It" and Talib Kweli's thunderous "Get By" to Shyne's eerie "More or Less." But, without question, his best work has been with his big brother, Jay-z — a fact that some people still sleep on, Yeezy said.

"You know what's so bugged?" he said. "I had a friend that didn't realize I produced the last Jay-z album. Because I'm such a notorious pop character, such a hated guy, or a loved guy,...

'It's kind of important for people to realize I'm a producer also,' he tells Mixtape Daily.

By Jayson Rodriguez

Kanye West

Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Cornerstone Credentials: Kanye West

We all know Kanye West raps — and sometimes directs short films — but the Chicago superstar wants to make it clear that he's still a problem behind the boards.

'Ye is responsible for some of the most soulful hip-hop tracks of all time, from Beanie Sigel's wailing "Nothing Like It" and Talib Kweli's thunderous "Get By" to Shyne's eerie "More or Less." But, without question, his best work has been with his big brother, Jay-z — a fact that some people still sleep on, Yeezy said.

"You know what's so bugged?" he said. "I had a friend that didn't realize I produced the last Jay-z album. Because I'm such a notorious pop character, such a hated guy, or a loved guy,...

Mc tells Mixtape Daily performing at Powerhouse concert was 'a feeling I never felt before.'

By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes

Meek Mill

Photo: MTV News

Fire Starter: Meek Mill

The 215 is alive! Meek Mill is the latest in a line of lyricists — from Schooly D to Black Thought to Beanie Sigel — to take Philly by storm. Meek's record "Rosé Red" (and the remix featuring T.I., Rick Ross and Vado) has the Illadelph streets on fire.

Last week, the upstart rocked local hip-hop radio station Power 99's Powerhouse concert. He drew cheers from the capacity crowd that rivaled the screams for headliners Drake and Nicki Minaj.

"It was a feeling I never felt before," Meek told Mixtape Daily backstage after his set. "I did a couple things a cappella to let the world know what I'm doing. I got [DJ] Drama, he a Philly dude, he been holding it down.

D-Block loyalist and Evil Genius talk latest mixtape and perks of Sheek's newly appointed major label.

By Rahman Dukes

Sheek Louch

Photo: Def Jam

Monday's Main Pick

Street King: Sheek Louch

Holding It Down For: Yonkers, NY

Mixtape: Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1

Real Spit: In honor of his signing to the home that Russell built, one third of the D-Block boys linked with mixtape messiah DJ Green Lantern for Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare, Vol. 1 Sheek goes back to his roots to show rap fans what landed him at a major label after years of riding shotgun with boutique indie Koch Records.

Released at the top of the month, Donnie Def Jam is just the latest effort from the Evil Genius and the Yonkers Boys. (Green also dropped the Styles P mixtape The Green Ghost Project and the highly touted Jadakiss series The Champ Is Here, Pt. 3, both this year.

Rapper Beanie Sigel is facing criminal charges for alleged tax fraud in his native Pennsylvania. Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia allege the hip-hop star, real name Dwight Grant, made $1.5 million from 2002 to 2004, but failed to fill in tax returns, according to court documents filed on Tuesday, October 5.

Defence lawyer Fortunato Perri Jr. claims Sigel was behind bars during some of the years in question, and had others handling his finances, reports the Associated Press. Sigel previously served jail time for drug and weapons charges. He was also locked up in 2008 for violating the terms of his probation.

But he has also led anti-violence rallies in his hometown and spoken to high school students about life choices.

Diplomats' third member says he knew nothing of 'Toast' track before it was posted online.

By Jayson Rodriguez

Cam'ron

Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage

It would be a stretch to say that everyone is suddenly on Kanye West's side following his 2010 MTV Video Music Awards performance. Former Roc-a-Fella labelmates Cam'ron and Jim Jones responded to West's new track "Runaway" with a recording that takes shots at the Chicago superstar and Jay-z.

"And Kanye, you a sucka n---a, dissed Dame so my attitude is f--- the n---a," Cam spits on "Toast," which was posted on Missinfo.tv on Wednesday. "Sucked off Jigga, how you gonna live with that/ Took the beat, now come get it back."

"You might take it the wrong way, that's what people do," Jones said. They gonna think we starting trouble, but we just viewing our opinions."

On Thursday, the other member of the recently reunited Diplomats,...

The Blink-182 drummer teams up with Joey Crack for an impromptu session.

By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Travis Barker and Fat Joe

Photo: MTV News

Fat Joe's "RapFix Live" interview on Friday (August 6) was heavy on highlights. The Bronx lyricist talked about confronting hip-hop nemesis 50 Cent, his memories of the late Big Pun and his strained relationship with Remy Ma. However, one of the more surprising moments arose when rocker Travis Barker joined the Terror Squad rapper's sit-down.

Barker — at the MTV News offices for a separate interview — warmly greeted Joe, who recalled fond times with Barker's late pals DJ Am and Lil Chris. While Travis may be best known as the drummer for rock outfits Blink-182 and +44, he's since branched out, becoming a familiar figure in the hip-hop scene. Barker has remixed songs by stars like Soulja Boy and hit the stage with the likes of Jamie Foxx and T-Pain.

For clues, MTV News takes a closer look at clips for 'Ye's previous first singles.

By Steven Roberts

Kanye West 10.10.2005

Photo: MTV News

Despite his newfound penchant for social media, Kanye West has kept quiet about what's in store for the video for his newest single, "Power." MTV News gathered a few clues, including a look at the videos for his previous first singles, for hints about what fans might expect from his latest.

A photo from the Marco Brambilla-directed "video project" hit the Web last Thursday and it featured a sullen-faced West wearing his oversize, gold Horus chain and standing between rows of columns. Still, West urged fans to not get too excited — via his Twitter. "Preview of the 'Power' Trailer, it's just a still pic. Don't get to[o] hype." Naturally, everyone got hyped, and West tweeted a link to a New York Times article about Brambilla's involvement with the project soon after.

'Beans, he sounds hungry, like he ain't have his hair braided in six years,' he tells Mixtape Daily of R.E.D. Album track.

Game

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic

The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive

For the most part, you will never get an Mc to admit that he did a song with another spitter, and that spitter's rhymes were so ferocious he had to go back to the drawing board to pen another verse. But Game doesn't care. His pedigree as a lyricist is well-documented, so when he spoke to about a posse cut on his August 24 LP The R.E.D. Album, he had no problem giving major props to one of his co-stars.

"Me, Rick Ross and Beanie Sigel on a track called 'Heavy Artillery,' " Compton's lyrical barbarian revealed. "I'm definitely a fan of Beans. I did my verse first, sent it to them.

'Beans, he sounds hungry, like he ain't have his hair braided in six years,' he tells Mixtape Daily of R.E.D. Album track.

Game

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic

The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive

For the most part, you will never get an Mc to admit that he did a song with another spitter, and that spitter's rhymes were so ferocious he had to go back to the drawing board to pen another verse. But Game doesn't care. His pedigree as a lyricist is well-documented, so when he spoke to about a posse cut on his August 24 LP The R.E.D. Album, he had no problem giving major props to one of his co-stars.

"Me, Rick Ross and Beanie Sigel on a track called 'Heavy Artillery,' " Compton's lyrical barbarian revealed. "I'm definitely a fan of Beans. I did my verse first, sent it to them.

By Jayson Rodriguez

We know Betty White and Jay-z will appear in sketches together this weekend during their appearance on "Saturday Night Live." But the MTV News team thought it'd be just as interesting — maybe wacky? — if the two stars also shared the stage together during Hov's musical performance.

Here, we list the top five Jigga/Betty collabos we'd like to see.

"Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)"

Jay-z's ode to the underdogs who rose to the top would be a fitting marriage of his rags to riches story and White's Tinseltown fortitude. And while White doesn't have much theater experience under her belt, we're sure the feisty octogenarian has the chops to pull of the Annie impersonation on the song's chorus. This pairing would be quite the production.

"You, Me, Him, And Her"

This gem from Jay-z's 2000 album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia features Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel and the...

'This is a way for me to reach out to people,' he tells Mixtape Daily about his talent competition.

By Shaheem Reid

Ty Fyffe

Photo: Courtesy of Ty Fyffe

Behind the Beats: Ty Fyffe

Queens native Ty Fyffe has them all from The G-Unit to Michael Jackson.

"It was a life-changing experience," he said about visiting Michael Jackson at the King of Pop's home. At the time in the early '90s, Fife was under the tutelage of Teddy Riley and living in Virginia.

"Ted was working with Mike heavy after the success of Dangerous," Fyffe added. "He took me and one of his boys down to Neverland. Mike was working on the 'Addams Family Values' soundtrack. It was crazy that I went to the joint. We was in his movie theater."

After Riley, Fyffe went on to learn from Erick Sermon.

"That was my second half of learning production,...