Tiny Claims Prison Officials Have ‘Personal Vendetta’ Against T.I.

Following T.I.’s return to prison last week, his wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle is speaking out in defense of her husband, saying he was targeted because of his fame.


Tiny tells TMZ that prison officials are trying to make an example out of the rapper by sending him back behind bars.

“It’s important that the world know how unfair he’s being treated on such minor charges … all because he’s T.I.,” explains Tiny. “There are way more dangerous and carefree [celebrities] that get slapped on the wrist and sent on their way.”

T.I. was removed from a halfway house and returned to federal custody after prison officials claim he was conducting business with unauthorized passengers on his tour bus.

Tiny pleaded for his return home. “Our family needs [him] … and because of someone’s personal vendetta against him, we have to watch our kids’ sad faces everyday when he still doesn’t show up at home.”

He is currently scheduled to be released in a few weeks.

Beyoncé Bares Baby Bump in Croatia

Beyoncé and Jay-Z continued on their European getaway, sailing into Croatia on a luxury yacht for some rest and relaxation. The pregnant Mrs. Carter, who turned 30 over the weekend, showed off her growing baby bump in a white bikini as she and Jay walked along the rocks. She attempted to shield her stomach from the paparazzi with a gold bag, while her protective husband put his hand up to the cameras. Aunt-to-be Solange also joined the family affair, tweeting, “Croatia is breathtaking. Paradise!”

While overseas, the couple caught up with Gwyneth Paltrow, who was delighted to share the special occasion with her friends.

Trey Songz to Showcase Storytelling, Rapping on ‘Chapter 5’

Trey Songz is turning a new page with his fifth album Chapter 5. While the R&B crooner is moving on, he hasn’t forgotten his past.


Troy Taylor, who discovered Trey when he was 15 and executive produced all of his albums, spoke to Rap-Up.com about the project’s direction. “I think Trey is coming into his own now,” he said. “He was always taught to know what he wants and he was always taught to know how he wants to sound, and I think Chapter 5 represents the storytelling of how he feels and his emotions and just everyday life that people go through.”

Expect to see continuations of storylines from previous albums. “What we’re gonna do is elaborate on other songs. ‘Can’t Be Friends’ was a huge smash, but on Chapter 5 we’re gonna maybe go into a little bit more of the girl he was talking about. We once had a song called ‘Black Roses’ on Ready; we’re gonna tap on it to tell you a little bit more of the story. So Chapter 5 represents elaborating.”

Trey has been flooding the Internet with his rap remixes to songs such as “Gucci Gucci” and “Ni**as in Paris,” and he plans to showcase more of his rhyming skills on Chapter 5. “I took a poll on Twitter to see if people wanted to hear more of Trey rapping and they said it was cool,” shared Taylor. “He was a rapper first when he was 15. When he came to me the whole question was do you think I can be a singer, and when I heard him it was definitely.”

Chapter 5, the follow-up to last year’s Passion, Pain & Pleasure, is due in 2012. Trey also stars in the horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D, in theaters October 5, 2012.

Drake, Bow Wow, and Tyga Lead YMCMB’s Fall Lineup

Young Money-Cash Money is preparing the troops for a big fall. Hip-hop’s reigning label is readying releases from its stars Drake, Bow Wow, Tyga, and more over the next few months.


Now that Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV is finally in stores, the rest of the crew is set to follow. Drake will serve up his sophomore album Take Care on his birthday (October 24). One week later on November 1, Bow Wow will make his Cash Money debut with Underrated featuring Chris Brown, Game, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Snoop Dogg, and others.

Young Money’s teen heartthrob Lil Twist will step up to the plate with his debut Don’t Get It Twisted on November 8, with appearances from Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Drake. On November 15, Tyga will invite fans into his Careless World with his second album.

Jay Sean and Birdman share Thanksgiving week with their respective releases Freeze Time and Bigga Than Life, both due November 21. And the family will come together for the holidays on December 20 with a second Young Money compilation.

Additionally, there is talk of a Pink Friday re-release from YM’s First Lady Nicki Minaj, but nothing has been announced.

Amy Winehouse's Family Will Do First Interview on 'Anderson'

Amy Winehouse may be gone but her story still lives on through the family she left behind after her untimely death on July 23. In the first interview since her death, Winehouse's family will sit down with journalist Anderson Cooper for his new weekly syndicated talk show, 'Anderson,' which will premiere on the first episode on Sept. 12.

Cooper will hold a conversation with Winehouse's father, Mitch, mother, Janis, brother, Alex and her boyfriend, Reg Traviss. Though details of the interview have not been revealed, a discussion about the troubled singer's battle with drugs and alcohol will surely be the main topic.

On July 23, 2011, the 'Back to Black' songstress was found dead in her London home. Numerous reports suggested her cause of death was due to alcohol withdrawal, however, the family released the results of Winehouse's toxicology tests last month. At the time of her death, no illegal drugs were present in her system.

The interview with Amy Winehouse's family debuts Sept. 12. Check local listings here to find out when 'Anderson' airs.

Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Carter IV’ Falls Short of a Million in First Week [Update]

Lil Wayne almost did it again. Weezy F. Baby just missed the million sales mark in his first week with his latest album Tha Carter IV.


According to final numbers from Nielsen SoundScan, the Young Money rapper’s ninth album will arrive at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling a whopping 964,000 copies in its opening week. While impressive, it wasn’t quite enough to top its predecessor Tha Carter III, which sold 1,005,545 when it debuted in June 2008.

That gives Weezy the second-highest first week sales of the year, displacing Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne, but still behind Lady Gaga’s Born This Way (1.1 million).
Tha Carter IV also broke the U.S. iTunes Store’s single-week album sales record by registering around 345,000 downloads, reports Billboard.

A thrilled Weezy thanked his fans for their support. “Wow!!!!!!!!!! I have the best fans in the universe! I thank u all. Hard work and dedication pays well. Young Mula baby!(weezy voice),” he tweeted.

Nicki Minaj joined the celebration, adding, “A million here, A million there…Congrats Weezy! YMCMB.”

Beyoncé Celebrates 30th Birthday in Italy with Jay-Z

Beyoncé jetted overseas to celebrate her 30th birthday in Venice, Italy. A glowing B and husband Jay-Z were photographed for the first time together since announcing they are expecting their first child. The father-to-be held his pregnant wife’s hand as she walked down the stairs in a flowing printed gown, her growing baby bump visible.

Following her jubilant performance at last weekend’s VMAs, B’s single “Love on Top” ascended the iTunes Top Songs chart and her album 4 is expected to see a boost in sales. Live it up, B!

Jay-Z Faces Accusations of Unfair Labor Practices

Lest anyone think the inevitable onslaught of baby gifts has already begun, the giant inflatable rats spotted this week in front of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club weren't meant as presents for the hip-hop tycoon and his pregnant wife, Beyonce.

The rubber rodents came compliment of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, which accuses Hova of unfair labor practices. The rapper is in the midst of renovating his Manhattan nightspot, and the Council of Carpenters claims that the firm hired to do the repairs pays workers a "substandard wage" and fails to meet "area labor standards," according to TMZ.

"A rat is a contractor that does not pay all of its employees the Area Standard Wages, including either providing or making payments for family health care and pension benefits," wrote a spokesman for the watchdog group in an email to the website Curbed. "Shame on the 40/40 CLUB & Shawn Carter aka Jay Z for contributing to the erosion of area standards for New York City Carpenters."

A 40/40 representative told TMZ that the club -- due to reopen in November -- operates in a non-union building and is therefore not required to do business with union firms. The rep also charged the Council of Carpenters with using racial slurs and attempting to intimidate the public.

Lupe Calls Himself The Best Rapper

Lupe returned to his native Chicago yesterday and at the 4:20 mark, planted his flag on The Throne, Lil Wayne and Drake. After all, two is not a winner and three nobody remembers.

“When you’re done Watching The Throne, turn around and watch me, when you’re done with the Carter 4 come back to me for more, when you’re done with that Drake, no, I ain’t trying to hate but I’m back up on my grind and I’m about to skaaaaate on these niggas…Put it on your blog and your tumblrs on your twitters that Lupe said that he’s the best, NIGGA.”

Tiny Reacts To T.I. Post Jail Setback

T.I. was removed yesterday from his halfway house back into a jail facility due to the way he was transported following his release. Tip’s wife, Tiny tells TMZ that her husband was unaware of the jail officials’ objection.

“This is a bunch of bullsh*t. They should have said something before he got on the bus. T.I. would have politely gotten into a van. T.I. is one of the strongest individuals I know … and they just trying to break him in more ways than one and it’s not gonna work! ‘Cause what God got for him, can’t no man take that away … period!”

Lil Wayne Covers Miami New Times

The self-proclaimed best rapper alive throws up his hoodie for the cover of Miami New Times‘ latest issue. No Lupe.

Eminem & Lil Wayne Announce Australia Show

According to the Herald Sun, Em and Weezy are taking their talents to the Outback for a 6 hour concert for one night only at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on December 1. Tickets will cost you $150 and go on sale at 9am on September 13.

Bad Meets Evil Meets Europe (Pt. 2 )

Here’s the second vlog from Bad Meets Evil’s UK stop at the V Festival a few weeks back. On this go around, we get a cameo from Em while Royce speaks on his favorite part of the show.

New Music: Red Cafe “Niggas In Paris (Remix)”

Looks like everybody is skating to one song—one song only, and Red Cafe is the latest to manuever his flow over The Throne’s Hit-Boy-produced track. Why not?

Beyonce's Top 10 Moments During Her Career

There's something about Beyonce. Even when she's not trying, she's absolutely amazing. At just 30 years old, she's at the top of her game both personally and professionally. Her latest album, '4,' debuted at the top of the Billboard album charts, she manages her own career, dabbles in acting, directing and designing and does it all with a smile on her face. Although the public may never know every detail of her fiercely private life, the esteemed songstress' music showcases a vulnerability and honesty that allows fans to connect with her on an intimate level.

With No. 1 records, a clothing line, fragrances and numerous endorsements, it's hard to believe she accomplished all that before hitting the big 3-0. In honor of Lady B's birthday today (Sept. 4), The BoomBox counts down some of the top moments in her career. Check out where your favorite falls on the list.


10. Experiencing a Destiny's Child Member Shuffle

In 2001, Destiny's Child was on top of the world. Their second album, 'The Writings on the Wall' catapulted them to fame, but behind the scenes, things were falling apart. Two group members, LaTavia Roberson and LaToya Luckett were fired and replaced, and the backlash came down on Beyonce, whose father was said to have favored his daughter over the other members. The singer later revealed that the group mix-up caused her to fall into a deep depression.

9. Starting House of Dereon Clothing Line

Fashion was always a big part of Beyonce's image. Her mother designed many of her outfits throughout her career, so it was only a matter of time before she jumped headfirst into the fashion world. Named after her great grandmother, Agnes Dereon, B launched the House of Dereon line in 2009, and had its television debut on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show.' The design company has since expanded to include clothing, accessories and bedding.

8. Performing '4 Intimate Nights With Beyonce' Concerts in New York City

With over 30 million records sales under her belt and playing large venues all across the globe, Beyonce decided to get closer to her fans, performing four intimate concerts at Manhattan's Roseland Ballroom. Supported by her 20-piece band, B ran through her entire '4' album and treated audiences to other entries in her musical catalog like 'Irreplaceable.' The public responded in droves, selling out the show's opening night in just 22 seconds.

7. Breaking Up Destiny's Child Officially

By 2004, Destiny's Child was the biggest girl group in the world, but at the height of their fame, they officially called it quits. During a tour promoting their fourth and final album 'Destiny Fulfilled,' the threesome of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams announced in front of 16,000 fans that they would be going their separate ways. They have said that the idea of a reunion is not totally out of the question, but all three have been busy with their solo careers.

6. Earning a Billboard Millennium Award

Kevin Mazur, Getty Images

Earlier this year, Billboard decided to honor Beyonce's musical accomplishments by giving her the Millennium Award at their annual awards ceremony. The singer took the stage with an elaborate performance of her single 'Run the World (Girls),' and was handed the award by her mother and nephew. The best part of her acceptance speech? Telling the crowd how much she loves Jay-Z.

5. Firing Her Father as Her Manager

Dave M. Benett, Getty Images

Not long before the release of her fourth album '4,' Beyonce severed her professional relationship with father-manager Mathew Knowles. The seemingly perfect personal and professional relationship showed signs of breaking when the singer's dad was discovered to have fathered a child with his mistress, ultimately leading to the break-up of his marriage to Bey's mom Tina. Adding insult to injury, Knowles allegedly stole money from his daughter, a claim which he is fighting in court.

4. Setting Out on a Solo Career

After singing in a group for a majority of her music career, stepping out on her own was a big risk for Beyonce. However, her debut solo release, 'Dangerously In Love,' paid off in a major way. Both her fans and critics unanimously approved the album, which debuted atop the Billboard charts. Re-teaming with Jay for the lead single 'Crazy in Love,' the pop superstar proved to have stand-alone talent. The album would go on to win her five Grammys.

3. Collaborating With Jay-Z on '03 Bonnie & Clyde'

It's been said that people who work together often start dating, and for Beyonce, linking with Jay-Z for his single '03 Bonnie & Clyde,' off 'The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse' album, changed her life in more ways than one. Aside from introducing her to Jay's fan base, the chemistry in the music video basically screamed that they were interested in spending some time together off camera. The public may never know the exact moment that they started dating, but this single definitely kicked things into high gear.

2. Marrying Jay-Z

When it came to getting married, Beyonce and Jay-Z maintained their reputation for keeping their relationship on the down low, by quietly tying the knot in the rapper's New York apartment on April 4, 2008. The ceremony was attended by less than 50 guests, comprised of only close friends and family members, including the singer's Destiny's Child group members Kelly and Michelle. Now, three years later, the couple have yet to release details surrounding their nuptials.

1. Announcing Her Pregnancy

Beyonce hit the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards to drop a huge announcement on the public. While being photographed in an orange Lanvin one-shoulder dress, the singer announced that she was expecting a child, affectionately holding her baby bump and smiling from ear to ear. Within minutes, word of the announcement spread over Twitter, quickly turning her pregnancy into a global trending topic. Beyonce, who's due sometime next year, is sure be a great mom.