Drake earns his latest award, winning the Songwriter's Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award

Between earning multiple Grammy nominations and hitting platinum status with his debut album Thank Me Later, Drake has garnered a career's worth of accolades in just a few short years. Now, the Young Money star has received his latest award for songwriting.

According to XXL, Drizzy is set to receive the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award. The award, which honors those artists who have impacted the music industry to some capacity with their songwriting, will be given to Drake on June 16 at the 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner.

"Drake shines as a talented songwriter with a unique vision, and we are pleased to honor him with the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award," said Songwriting Hall of Fame chairman Jimmy Webb.

The Songwriter's Hall of Fame has honored the likes of John Legend and Alicia Keys in the past with the Hal David Starlight Award.

Jay-Z Lands Rare Collaboration With Sade

R&B singer Sade is known for her reluctance to do collaborations with other artists, but she has made a concession for Hip-Hop superstar and mogul, Jay-Z.

According to reports, Jay-Z and Sade are featured on a remixed track titled "Moon & The Sky" from the hit album Soldier of Love, her first album in 10 years.

"Moon & The Sky" will be featured on Sade's upcoming box set, Ultimate Collection.

Last year, when Sade was promoting Soldier of Love, she revealed that she had no immediate plans to break her tradition of refusing to collaborate with other artists.

"I don't think they have contacted me," Sade told Canada's National Post in February of 2010. "I've never collaborated because I've always avoided working outside my safety zone — I can be exactly who I am and can fail or succeed within the moment. I feel safe working like I do. I wouldn't want to work in a situation where I am expected to deliver, because I think I wouldn't deliver."

The 28-track, two-disc , Ultimate Collection, is due in stores May 3rd.

Eminem Wins Lawsuit, Dre Wins Lawsuit, Producer Detail Accused of Assault

Universal Records has lost a round in court with former producers for superstar rapper Eminem. The Associated Press reports that F.B.T. Productions contract allows Eminem and his producers a 50-50 split with Universal for digitally released products. Universal originally paid Eminem and producers 12 percent of the sales of physical releases and attempted to treat digital releases the same way. F.B.T. has successfully claimed that their deal with Universal should be considered a licensing deal, which entitles them to a higher royalty rate. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to hear Universals appeal of a previous decision in favor of F.B.T.

A lawsuit involving producer Dr. Dre and other Detroit officials has finally been dismissed from court. City Councilman Gary Brown and a variety of officials filed the lawsuit in 2000, over an explicit video that was played during the tour. Officials in Detroit threatened to turn the power off if the video was played. The backstage conversation over the issue was taped and featured on the "Up In Smoke DVD." Brown claimed that his rights were violated after Dre and company released the footage for commercial use. Councilman Brown's lawsuit originally asked for $3 billion dollars. Dre had previously won a ruling, which forced then-Detroit Mayor, Dennis Archer, to write an apology letter to Dre.

A producer associated who has worked with a variety of artists top rap artists is being accused of sexually assaulting a food catering assistant during a recording session for Lil Wayne. TMZ.com reports that officials are investigating a complaint against Noel "Detail" Fisher, who has produced records for Flo Rida, Akon, Bone Thugs and Ray J. The woman claims Detail invited several people to his house in Canyon Country, California, while Wayne was in a recording session. The woman claims Detail held her against her will over night and sexually assaulted her. Lil Wayne is not mentioned in the complaint.

Search For "Tupac" Actor Hits The Internet

The search for an actor to play the role of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has gone viral, as production company Morgan Creek is harnessing the Internet to seek out top talent.

Morgan Creek is hosting an online casting call with popular L.A. personality DJ Skee and Karmaloop.TV for the upcoming motion picture "Tupac," which is based on the life of the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur.

"Tupac" will focus on the rapper's rise to superstardom, his imprisonment, his stint at Death Row Records and his untimely death at the hands of an unknown assassin in September of 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are excited to partner with Morgan Creek on this innovative casting call,” said Scott “DJ Skee” Keeney, founder of Skee.TV. “This audition process is a great example of utilizing today’s ever-evolving technology to reach fans and actors around the world to pay homage to a hip-hop legend.”

Serious actors who want a shot at playing "Tupac" in the major motion picture can also log on to InSearchOfTupac.com to upload their videos for reviews.

The website will also help to keep fans abreast about important announcements and other opportunities to take part in the flick, which is being directed by Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day," "Brooklyn's Finest").

"Tupac" is also being executive produced by Afeni Shakur, along with producers LT Hutton, James G. Robinson and David Robinson.

"We’re looking for someone with the right mix of raw charm and charisma for the role," added producer David Robinson. "At this point, we’re more concerned about finding someone with the ability to give their entire heart into the performance than just looks and personality.”

Universal Pictures will distribute "Tupac" in the United States, while Morgan Creek will co-distribute internationally overseas.

Eminem Gives Back to Detroit Through New Clothing Line With Chrysler

Superstar rapper Eminem is giving back to the City of Detroit through a clothing partnership with Chrysler.
The auto giant is cashing in on the success of Eminen two-minute Super Bowl XLV commercial "Born of Fire," which is the longest Super Bowl commercial ever aired.

Chrysler's T-shirt line featuring "Imported from Detroit" emblazoned across the chest has been selling out consistently on the Chrysler.com website since the commercial aired.

Chrysler has announced that a portion of the proceeds from the T-shirts will benefit several community oriented organizations, including Eminem's Marshall Mathers Foundation.

In addition to Em's charity, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Michigan, Habitat for Humanity Detroit and Think Detroit PAL.

"We are very happy to partner with the Chrysler brand in supporting the local communities," Paul Rosenberg, Eminem's manager, told AllHipHop.com in a statement.

"The Chrysler brand and The Marshall Mathers Foundation share a parallel commitment to give back to the City of Detroit," added Rosenberg, who also serves as President of Shady Records and Director of The Marshall Mathers Foundation.

Chrysler is planning on releasing several new limited edition designs of the T-shirt throughout the year, through the official Chrysler website.

The "Imported from Detroit" T-shirt are available in all sizes for adults and children and come in several different color ways.

The website is also selling bumper stickers with the slogan as well.

"We hope that by partnering with these charitable organizations people will be encouraged to wear their 'Imported from Detroit' merchandise proudly knowing that a portion of the proceeds will go to programs and initiatives that contribute to the fundamental development of the children of Detroit and the communities in which they reside," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC

Rappers Who Worked With Nate Dogg React To Singers Death

Veteran Hip-Hop crooner Nate Dogg died last night (March 15th), according to sources close to the West Coast singer.

While details of Nate Dogg's death are emerging, the 41-year-old had been partially paralyzed by a stroke he suffered six-years ago.

Nate Dogg, whose vocals are featured on more than 20 million records sold, collaborated with a number of top artists, including Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Fabolous, Ludacris and others.

Snoop Dogg took to Twitter to send his condolences to Nate Dogg.

"RIP NATE DOGG…We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met."

Snoop continued to grieve over Nate Dogg via Twitter, but stated that he was happy he got to grow up with his cousin Nate Dogg, who was featured in the group 213, along with their friend Warren G.

"I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever did it wit. I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan."

Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel D. Hale, was receiving therapy for two strokes he suffered, one in 2007 and another in 2008.

"R.I.P. TO MY HOMEBOY NATE DOGG DPGC DOGG POUND GANGSTA 4 LIFE," added Dogg Pound member Daz Dillinger.

A number of rappers have taken to Twitter to express their condolences for legendary West coast singer Nathaniel "Nate Dogg" Hale, who died yesterday evening (March 15th).

While the cause of Nate Dogg's death is still not known, the singer suffered multiple strokes over the years.

His health began to deteriorate shortly after his first stroke in 2007, which left him wheel chair bound and later, bed ridden after a second stroke in 2008.

Throughout his career, Nate Dogg always worked with the top Hip-Hop stars on the planet.

His silky smooth voice was first heard by Dr. Dre, who quickly signed Nate Dogg and featured the singer on the breakthrough 1992 album, The Chronic.

Dogg Pound group member Kurupt reminisced over Nate Dogg earlier this morning.

"S/o [shout out] ta my bigg bro. Nate mothafuccin dogg," Kurupt tweeted. "There's only 1 ambassador of tha west coast. Ya hea me. I luv u cuzz."

Nate Dogg worked with rapper 50 Cent on his massive hit single "21 Questions," which helped 50 Cent's debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin sell over 8 million copies, making it the fourth best-selling Hip-Hop album of all time.

"I just landed nate dog is dead damn. GOD BLESS HIM R.I.P he meant a lot to west coast hiphop. I've always been a fan of it," 50 Cent tweeted. "I wrote the chorus to 21 questions I needed nate to sing it for me. He had a way of making everything feel hard."

Former G-Unit member and West Coast vet Game worked with Nate Dogg on tracks like "Ol English" from The Doctors Advocate and "Where I'm From" from the album The Documentary.

The Game shed tears over Nate Dogg's passing.

"R.I.P. Nate Dogg. Why does it take Death to remind us about the importance of life ???" Game tweeted this morning. "I lost a friend. Been here before. Tears. Memories. One day someone will lose "US" as well. LIVING until that day comes is our only option."

Jermaine Dupri, who recorded the track "Ballin' Outta Control" with Nate Dogg also had some words for his former collaborator.

"RIP Nate dogg, this is f**king terrible!! my prayers go out to the Pound and his family," Jermaine Dupri stated.

Actor Bow Wow, who was produced by Jermaine Dupri, was discovered by Snoop Dogg in 1993.

"I had the pleasure to be around him in my younger days when i was running with Snoop & The Dogg Pound in 93 #WestcoastLegend," Bow Wow stated.

Xzibit worked with Nate Dogg on tracks like "Multiply," and the club classic, "B**ch Please" featuring Snoop Dogg.

"We lost a solider, a father, a legend, a homie. My condolences go out to Ms. Ruth and the entire family. Celebrate #NateDogg," Xzibit tweeted.

Nate Dogg also helped power Ludacris' 2001 album Word of Mouf to platinum status, behind the hit single "Area Codes."

"There is a certain void in hip hop's heart that can never be filled," Ludacris tweeted. "Glad we got to make history together."

President Clinton Teams With Rapper Drake For Fundraiser

Former President Bill Clinton will host a fundraising event featuring a performance by Toronto, Canada rapper Drake on St. Patricks day, next Thursday (March 17th).

President Clinton, Drake, director Brett Ratner, actor Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington and a host of other celebrities, artists, students and philanthropists will attend a fundraiser for the Millennium Network, in support of the former President's non-profit, The Clinton Foundation.

Funds raised during the evening will benefit The Clinton Foundation's Millennium Network, which encourages young students and activists under the age of 45 to get involved with the work of The Clinton Foundation, to address global challenges like climate change, childhood obesity and economic development at home and abroad.

The event, which is also open to the general public, takes place at Boulevard3 on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood from 7:00PM-10:00PM and is sponsored by Diageo.

President Clinton will open the fundraiser with opening remarks, Drake will close the event out with a performance and DJ Brent Bolthouse will provide the sounds during the evening.

Nicki Minaj; The Roots Tapped To Promote Casio's Tryx

Nicki Minaj and The Roots have teamed with Casio America to promote the company's new camera the Casio Tryx.

Nicki and The Roots will hit the stage during the "Tryx Out NYC: 2011" launch party for the camera on April 7th in New York.

"Casio sure knows how to design a camera," Nicki Minaj said in a statement. "I'm excited to be part of the Tryx Out: NYC 2011 launch party and look forward to working together with Casio to make sure this camera gets the party it deserves! With a Tryx in my hand, there's no doubt that I'll be able to take incredible images and video on tour and beyond."

During the event, which is also open to the public, attendees will be able to test Casio's Tryx camera, which features a 12.1 megapixel camera, with the unique ability to swivel 270-degrees.

"We are excited to perform at the launch event for the Casio Tryx," said Questlove. "From what I hear, the camera has a state-of-the-art, innovative design, and I'm eager to get a chance to see it myself."

The launch party for the Casio Tryx will take place at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square on April 7th.

The Forbes Five: Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest Artists

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has had quite a career thus far. Since debuting in 1996 with hip-hop classicReasonable Doubt, he has sold over 50 million records worldwide. He’s parlayed his musical success into lucrative businesses in the realms of fashion, cuisine and advertising.

Last year he earned 63million dollars tops among hip-hop artists for the third time in four years. But when it comes to net worth, Jay-Z is number two. The top spot goes to Sean “Diddy” Combs, who tops our accounting of rap’s richest with a fortune of $475 million, fueled by his interests in Sean John clothing, Bad Boy Worldwide record label and, most significantly, his Diageo joint-venture vodka brand Ciroc. Jay-Z ranks a close second, with $450 million.

Superproducer/rapper Dr. Dre ranks third with $125 million, fueled by past earnings generated from his own career and by helping to launch those of Snoop Dogg and Eminem. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, a onetime Dr. Dre protege who reaped a nine-figure payday from the sale of Vitamin Water to Coca-Cola, rounds out the top five in a tie with Cash Money Records cofounder Bryan “Birdman” Williams at $100 million.

Though other hip-hop artists including Lil Wayne, Pharrell Williams, Rick Ross and others — not to mention pop sensation Bruno Mars, who penned Travie McCoy’s hit song “Billionaire” — frequently speak of ten-figure desires, we kept our list to five because of the lack of information available on the fortunes under $100 million.

Review: Lupe Fiasco: Lasers

8.5/10

Lupe Fiasco is one of the most tormented musicians in hip-hop. While most rappers continue to feast off hip-hop, Lupe remains humble as on of Hip-Hop’s few true renegades left. While Jay-Z is an emperor, Wayne and Kanye as powerful kings in the eyes of the labels, Lupe remains Robin Hood. Lasers, Lupe’s latest album, illustrates growth and progression in a rapper - an example of an artist growing in this genre wonderfully - and the ability to create “lemonade” out of the lemons.

Lasers opens as mystically, acting as a lobby for the trip Lupe is about to take us on. Setting the tone, “Letting Go” featuring Sarah Green is a gorgeous way to set off the album. This also leads that the production will be entertaining from there out. Lupe creates a unique sound which is unlike most hip-hop currently - keeping this reviewer entertained and excited throughout. Lasers feels like a release of musical energy - an endless expression from start to finish. “Words I Never Said” featuring vocal wunderkind Skylar Grey is an explanation of Lupe’s thought on the political and social climate. Flowing while talking about political agitators and the “blindness” of the American public. While one may not trust what Lupe is saying, the heart in it is something which has been seen on few albums in recent years.

“Break the Chain” is as positive as a track as it could be while still illustrating the raw energetic passion in Mr.Fiasco’s tumultuous musical journey. Lupe manages to do something Kid Cudi and Theophilus London are able to accomplish - effectively create an Electronica/Hip Hop crossover. Thus giving birth to an Electronica hit to be witnessed in upcoming remix’s and European enjoyment. While it is not what was expected of Lupe, it still shows his ability to shine on tracks which are “pop” in itself. Still managing to cram educated grammar and bars inside of production meant to excite ravers and ragers everywhere.

Better than Britney Spears herself.

Other standout tracks include “All Black Everything”, “The Show Goes On”, and “State Run Radio”. The gem of the album, however, is located in perfect placement as the 7th track. Self entitled “Beautiful Lasers(2Way)” is in itself beautiful. The song starts quietly and then explodes into a frenzy - causing a silent union to be felt with Fiasco. This song representing his mind giving us almost perfect insight into the inner workings of who Lupe Fiasco is.

Many may say that it is too radically different to his first two, cult generating, albumsFood&Liquor and The Cool. This reviewer accepts this third album, Lasers, as a demonstration of the maturation seen in few hip-hop musicians today. Completely willing to create a new sound radically different from prior music and still retain the quality, effort, and heart of the previous two. While it is true that this is a product of a compromise between Lupe and the record labels, Lasers still contains the lyricism and raw heart that is expected of Lupe. The sound is a tad pop, but it works - very well.

Lasers blew away this reviewers expectations. Joining the ranks - with recent addition, Saigon - of hip-hop stars to fight the label and win. Releasing quality timeless music which was restricted from the public’s ears. The fact that Lupe Fiasco managed to create music which capitalizes on an electronic fusion style that is only becoming popular in America recently, while still managing to talk about his favorite subjects is an effort in itself. Lupe crafted an album which calls into question the many board meetings which took place to hold this back. Lasers was not reviewed with the expected cookie cutter that The Cool and Food&Liquor set - instead with an open mind taking it for face value. Lasers is what it is - the third studio album from Lupe Fiasco - whether it fits your expectations or not, it is a great effort that cannot be downplayed. Lupe fought the labels and won, not for himself, for us.

Shaq Says Rapper B.I.G. Might Be Alive Had He Made it To Party

Boston, Celtics' Center Shaquille O'Neal claims that had he been with Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace on the night he was shot four times in the chest, the rapper might be with us today.

Christopher Wallace, aka Biggie Smalls, was gunned down on March 9th, 1997 in Los Angeles, California, just after a party held at the Peterson Auto Museum for the Soul Train Music Awards in 1997.

Shaq, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday (March 6th), said that the day is bitter-sweet, due to his friendship and fond memories of the late rapper.

During an interview with "Outside the Lines" on ESPN, Shaq revealed that he met Sean "Diddy" Combs and Biggie around 1993, after B.I.G. agreed to record on the basketball star's record "You Can't Stop The Rain."

The pair developed a close kinship that lasted up until the night of B.I.G.'s death.

Shaq said he saw B.I.G. at a tattoo parlor on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, just two days before he was gunned down. B.I.G. invited Shaq to the infamous after party, where the rapper would lose his life.

According to Shaq, he was supposed to meet B.I.G. at the after-party, but he fell asleep in his condo while waiting for his head of security, Uncle "Jerome" Crawford, who could not get past the front desk.

“I was in my condo. I had on a cold white suit, white hat and all that," Shaq told Outside the Lines. "I was on my way. I was dressed. Usually Uncle Jerome will just come up, but I guess he tried to call and the front desk wouldn't let him through. I just fell asleep. I woke up about 4 o’clock from a call from my mother.”

The news Shaq's mom Mrs. Lucille O'Neal delivered was shocking. Her son's friend had been gunned down just hours earlier, by unknown assailants.

“She said ‘Did you go to the party?’ I’m like, ‘No, what’re you talking about?’ She said, ‘You know, your friend was shot and killed.’ And I was like, ‘What?’ So then I hung up with her and called some people and they told me what had happened,” Shaq told Outside the Lines.

Shaq addressed the murder in his 2001 autobiography Shaq Talks Back, when he wrote: "If I would have been standing by his truck, would the killer still have shot? I've always asked myself that question."

Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s Lil Cease also believes if Shaq had came to the party that evening, B.I.G. might still be alive.

"One dude in the car by his self," Lil Cease revealed. "He just didn't say nothing. He rolled up on the car, pulled his hand out the window and started firing the gun into the car, into biggie's door. Big was just slumped over with this shocked look on his face, like he couldn't believe what just happened."

"I think that may would have changed things," Lil Cease told ESPN's Outside the Lines. "If Shaq would have said 'you know what, I'ma come with y'all.' I'm sure him and B.I.G. would have rolled together, because that's the type of person B.I.G. was…I'm sure Shaq would have had security and I'm sure B.I.G. would have had enough security to come with him that day to make sure Shaq was alright. So I definitely think if Shaq would have been there, it definitely would have changed, definitely would have changed."

While B.I.G.'s murder has never been solved, new hope has arisen in the pursuit for justice.

Hundreds of new documents were recently unsealed by the L.A.P.D. linking two former officers to the 1997 murder.

According to the new evidence, former L.A.P.D. officers-turned-criminals Rafael Perez and David Mack were involved with the murder of B.I.G., along with a man named Amir Muhammad, at the orders of Marion "Suge" Knight.

None of the men implicated in the rapper's murder have ever been charged.

"I am fortunate enough to say that I knew him. Fortunate enough to say that he blessed me with 32-bars on my album and I'm blessed enough to say he knew me and I knew him. So I don't really think about the bad times, I just good times, and he is the greatest rapper."

On Wednesday (March 9th), B.I.G. will be honored by Junior M.A.F.I.A. and other close friends during a celebration of his life.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Christopher Wallace Foundation, to directly benefit the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, and their unwavering efforts to make a difference in the lives of the youth.

C.W.M.F. representative Jan Jackson will be on site during the event, and will be scheduling interviews upon request.

Also in honor of Biggie’s memory, the tribute celebration will feature artists who were inspired by Biggie's music, and who will pay homage to him through live performances.

Raekwon has been added to the lineup, which also includes Easy Mo Bee, DJ Premiere, Esquire, 50 Grand, Pharoahe Monch and Lady Luck.

Young Buck Indicted On Gun Charge; Facing 10 Years In Prison

Rapper Young Buck is facing serious jail time after being indicted today (March 7th), after being charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a .40 caliber pistol and ammunition.

Nashville's WSMV Channel 4 reports that prosecutors unsealed the indictment today, for an incident that occurred around August 3rd, just as Federal agents raided his Hendersonville home over a $300,000 tax dispute with the IRS.

Young Buck has pleaded not guilty to the gun possession charge and has been released on $100,000 bond.

The rapper has a 2004 felony conviction for stabbing a man named Jimmy Lee Johnson during a fight at the Vibe Awards, after Johnson punched superstar producer Dr. Dre.

As a result of this conviction and the pending gun possession charge, Young Buck is facing up to ten years in prison.

The rapper was also forced to surrender his passport.