Over the years, Carter has successfully used Jay-Z’s influence as a hip-hop star to build a franchise of businesses that capitalize on the rapper’s popularity. “[Jay-Z] is a purveyor of quality and value,” says Robby Wells, chief strategy officer for Acme Content Co. “He adds value to the lives of his consumers—just like any trusted brand. Where he is different than a typical brand is that he has an extreme amount of highly valuable influence. He could easily stand on the merits of what he is famous for, but he has shot to extreme levels of success due to his influence.”

Full Article: Corporate Takeover Mag

I guess some of them other ni**as recognized the look on my face and ran to the rescue. “T, don’t trip, that’s jailhouse love.” Jailhouse love? What the f**k? Them two ni**as and never been to jail! I’ve sent my fair share of Kites homie and I ain’t never heard of two ni**as kissing as being jailhouse love unless they was… ya dig? That sh*t was disturbing to me pimp. They say it’s a father-son thing. Ni**a I ain’t kissing my daddy in the mouth!

To each his own… I ain’t questioning a ni**a’s sexuality cuz I just don’t get down like that, and I know for a fact that both of them cats like women. But it f**ks me up when them ni**as do that sh*t in public…

Full Article: AllHipHop

I would have a problem kissing an ugly female, never in my life will I kiss a grown ass man, I would def throw up.

In other news, Lil Wayne is being sued for the sample in, “I Feel Like Dying.” (Link)

The untitled 50 Cent project is an elimination reality show following 16 contestants as they compete to learn and master the skills that took 50 Cent from the streets to corporate America. The rapper will whittle down the contestants each week, with one winning a full scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate business program.

Full Story: BillBoard

Sounds like that show Damon Dash had, but it didn’t work out. This sounds like it will be entertaining and the prize being a scholarship is a good look.

Hot cover and hopefully a hot album. This will be Busta’s 8th album and is set to release July 1st. Rumored features on the album include Lil Wayne, Ludacris, T.I., T-Pain, Mary J. Blige & Akon with production by The Neptunes, Cool & Dre & Dr. Dre. A video has been released for, “We Made It/Don’t Touch Me Now,” and major remix for, “Don’t Touch Me Now.”

A million the first week, I don’t think so…

Cabler will follow the hip-hop star as he performs more than 1,000 of community service before beginning to serve his one-year prison sentence next spring. Shooting will start in earnest this summer, leading up to his return to jail in early 2009. MTV plans to air the show some time soon after that.

Full Story: Variety

I’m sure this will give T.I. even more positive PR and he will be a saint by the time he gets out of jail. Must be crazy to know you got a year of jail waiting for you no matter what you do.

MTV also has a preview of T.I.’s next album, “Paper Trail.”

What did you think of Nas having to change his album title?
Interesting. I guess it shows you the power of Wal-Mart and Target. If that was the case, it’s definitely scary because it kind of f*cks with your artistic vision. But Nas and DJ Green Lantern are coming out with a mixtape called The N****r Tape. Can’t nobody hold that back. [Laughs.]

Full Story: Rhapsody

So you think retailers pressured Nas into changing the title?