06 Jan 06
Hip-hop crossover star Queen Latifah, who’s real name is Dana Owens, was honored on Jan. 4 with the 1st Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star in 2006, according to
www.hollywoodchamber.net
Latifah has made a smooth transition from rapper to actress, even receiving a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her portrayal as Mama Morton in the film Chicago. She has starred in a number of box office hits, including Bringing Down the House, Beauty Shop, Set It Off, Brown Sugar and Bone Collector.
The Queen will also be featured alongside fellow rapper-turned-actor LL Cool J in the Paramount Pictures release, Last Holiday, which hits theaters on January 13.
Latifah’s star will be unveiled in front of the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater at 6915 Hollywood Boulevard.
OOH, I DON’T THINK THEY LIKE ME
Apparently, Atlanta is not as united as the industry portrays. According to a recent statement from D4L manager, Johnnie Cabbel, the Atlanta quartet has been dodging shots from fellow ATL foursome Dem Franchize Boyz.
“For months now we have ignored some of the negative comments and accusations
that have been made by members of Dem Franchize Boyz,” Cabbel said. “But I feel that the time has come to make our position clear on this matter.”
Cabbel alleges that Dem Franchize Boyz accused D4L of sabotaging their show and copying the two-step that D4L claims to have popularized.
“We understand…that sometimes when acts have nothing positive to talk about in their careers they resort to criticizing other acts that they feel are more successful," Cabbell retorts. “We would much rather spend time talking about the positive things that D4L is doing: we climbed all the way to number two on the Billboard charts, we’re playing arenas and steadily making appearances across the country and overseas. It’s unfortunate that we have to interrupt such a positive stride to address something so negative.”
But, he makes clear, “We have no beef with Dem Franchize Boyz or with any other group.” In fact, Cabbell would prefer to invite Dem Franchize Boyz to respond to any issues they may have with D4L and their affiliates in a “professional manner.”
Dem Franchize Boyz, (Jizzal Man, Parlae, Pimpin and Buddie) grew up together on the Westside of Atlanta and have been blazing the charts with their hit singles “White Tees” and “I Think They Like Me” Remix which features JD, Bow Wow and Da Brat. Their debut album is forthcoming.
D4L re-released their Down For Like with Asylum/Atlantic Records this past November. Their lead single, “Laffy Taffy” is currently the No. 1 downloaded song in the country and their second single, “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me” is gaining video and radio rotation.
DJ DRAMA’S GRAND HUSTLE
T.I.’s tour DJ, DJ Drama rung in the New Year with a world-wide, long-term deal with Grand Hustle Entertainment/Atlantic Records.
Drama, a founding member of Atlanta DJ crew, the Aphilliates, released 16 editions of his popular mixtape series Gangsta Grillz in 2005 and is excited about taking that momentum into 2006 with a major label deal.
“Gangsta Grillz means so much to the South and to the game…To be able to get a major record deal from pushing mixtapes in the streets is a great feeling for me as a DJ,” Drama said in a recent statement. “I did it my way, and I am being rewarded greatly for that.”
“It's an honor and a pleasure to be in business together,” T.I. adds. “He's a very significant piece to our puzzle, and he brings incredible marketing opportunities to the company.”
Drama joined T.I. and the Grand Hustle family while working with the self-proclaimed King of the South on the Jay-Z and Friends Tour and Nelly’s Sweat/Suit Tour. Drama has also toured with several other artists from Lil’ Scrappy to Slum Village. Last month, Drama was awarded DJ of the Year and Best Mixtape for Gangsta Grillz at Radio One’s Dirty Awards in Atlanta.
“We are excited to finally be in business with DJ Drama and the Aphilliates Music Group,” Grand Hustle CEO Jason Geter said. “Throughout the years, we've worked hand in hand to build our brands. In 2006, we look forward to making history together.”
First appeared on BET.
