Ali's Influence On Hip-Hop Chronicled

"Float like a butterfly/ Sting like a bee/ Your hands can't hit/ What your eyes can't see."

Muhammad Ali's rhymes, taunts, provocations and exclamations were an endlessly entertaining and insightful facet of his larger-than-life persona. As he once said, "I outwit them and then I outhit them."

A new book, "Ali Rap: Muhammad Ali the First Heavyweight Champion of Rap," proclaims Ali's verbal barrage was more than self-promotion, but that it sowed the seeds of hip-hop, which was born in the early '70s.

"Before there was rap ... there was Ali Rap ... a topsy-turvy, jivey jargon that only Ali could create, but a language we could all understand," writes the book's editor and designer, George Lois.

The book is not a continued analysis of this claim, but nearly 300 pages of examples, illustrated by a quote roughly every page that issued from Ali's world-class mouth. Lois, a renowned ad man and graphic designer, recently told The Associated Press he wanted to condense Ali's many sayings and memorable utterances into a "small, fat book -- like a Bible or a Quran."

Lois remembers riding in a car with Ali years ago when a rap song came on the radio. Lois suggested Ali was a rapper himself, to which the boxer responded: "I'm a double rapper. First I rap them with my mouth, then I rap them in the mouth."

Presented chronologically, "Ali Rap" takes the reader from Ali's Kentucky childhood, through his historic fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Lewis and George Foreman -- and finally to his current struggles with Parkinson's disease.

Even as an 89-pound 12-year-old, Ali -- who as a teenager was known by some as "The Louisville Lip" or "Mighty Mouth" -- had found his flow: "This guy is done. I'll stop him in one."

Ali's life story is all told through Ali's own words, in hysterical soundbites and intimate reflections. Lois, who counts himself a friend of Ali's, famously designed a 1964 Esquire magazine cover showing Ali punctured with arrows -- an allusion to the criticism he received for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War, and modeled after the San Sebastian painting by Francesco Botticini.

The book's bold, catchy boast that Ali invented rap is certainly debatable. Surely, hip-hop has more to gain by the association than Ali, who has always transcended all categorization.

Writing for ESPN -- which published the book with Taschen -- pop culture critic Chuck Klosterman pondered, "If true, this would mean that rap did not originate (as commonly believed) in the South Bronx during the '70s; it would mean that rap was invented in Kentucky during the '60s.

"This is hard to accept because there are very few memorable rap songs about competitive horse racing and/or Rex Chapman."

But there are more than a few rappers in Ali's corner, including Public Enemy's Chuck D, a well-respected elder statesman of hip-hop. Chuck D (born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour) recently hosted an ESPN special on Ali's love of language, which also included Rakim, Ludacris, Doug E. Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Jermaine Dupri and MC Lyte.

"He was able to engage his social surroundings into his whole persona. That's what hip-hop was able to do -- to be an antenna for social reflection," Chuck D told The AP. "He's one of the few black people to get on TV in the '60s and speak their minds -- thank God -- and also back up what he talked about."

Ali often spoke out about racism, Vietnam and his religion of Islam -- but it was usually in a purely self-expressionist, non-confrontational way. He once said of race relations in America -- speaking in almost Yogi Berra-style contradiction -- "Nothing is wrong, but something ain't right."

Ali's outspokenness was unusual in the Jim Crow-era South. Oddly enough, Ali infrequently seemed to use the boxing ring to let out his frustration -- instead, his outlet was a steady stream of unabashed confidence.

"Where do you think I would be if I didn't shout and holler?" he once said. "I would be poor and down in Louisville washing windows, shining shoes or running an elevator and saying 'Yes suh' and 'No suh,' and knowing my place."

Rap's connection to social injustice is more tenuous today, though. The well-regarded lyricist Nas is releasing an album titled "Hip Hop is Dead," suggesting the music has lost its way. So even if Ali fathered hip-hop, he might not recognize his grandkids.

Pastor Troy Arrested In Georgia

Rapper Pastor Troy was arrested early this morning (Dec. 15) for an alleged probation violation.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Pastor Troy, born Micah Levar Troy, was conducting an interview with on Hot 107.9 when someone called the police and alerted officials that he was wanted in Fayette County.

Police confirmed the warrant and went to the Hot 107.9 studios around 9:00 am, where Troy, 29, was detained and arrested.

A spokeswoman for the Fayette Sheriff's office said that the Atlanta bred rapper is currently on probation for having no insurance and driving with a suspended license, but could not offer details about the reason behind today's arrest.

Notorious B.I.G. Investigation Linked to LAPD Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

A new sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a Los Angeles Police Department officer has connections with the alleged cover-up in the murder investigation of the late Notorious B.I.G.

According to reports, the suit was filed by LAPD Sgt. Ya-May Christle. Christle claimed some department promotions and choice assignments are being handed out in exchange for sexual favors.

Christle, who was part of the LAPD team that reviewed the B.I.G. investigative files and her lawyer said that some of the information she prepared has disappeared and was never forwarded to the rapper's family as ordered by the courts.

Former LAPD deputy chief Michael Berkow is named as a defendant in the suit, which accuses the officer of offering advancement in return for sex as well as maintaining a sleep-in room at the Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles.

The building is the same place where police Board of Rights hearings are held and the headquarters for the LAPD's Internal Affairs Division. Berkow recently left the LAPD, after the lawsuit was filed, to become chief of police in Savannah, GA.

Christle also claimed she was transferred and demoted after filing complaints about Berkow's alleged activities. In addition to the LAPD, Christle is suing city of Los Angeles.

Neither Berkow or the LAPD have commented on the suit. An LAPD spokesman said the department never comments on any pending litigation.

Like Father Like Son's Second Single

Birdman & Lil Wayne's video for "Leather So Soft" dropped today.

Evel Knievel Sues Kanye West Over "Touch the Sky" Video

Legendary daredevil motorcycle stuntman Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Kanye West, claiming the Chicago rapper tarnished his image in the video for the hit single "Touch The Sky."

The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court, accuses Kanye West of trademark infringement and unauthorized use of the Evel Knievel image by using vulgar, sexual and racially questionable content.

Roc-A-Fella Records and "Touch the Sky" video director Chris Milk are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.

Knievel, 68, claims the video disgraced him and accuses Kanye West of ripping his image apart.

The video, which stars actress Pamela Anderson Lee, features Kanye West as a fictional stuntman named "Evel Kanyevel" attempting to jump a canyon. Evel Knievel's lawyer Richard Fee claims the video is a recreation of Knievel's failed attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in Western Wyoming in 1974.

"In my opinion, this video maybe reflects West and his way of life, but it's sure not mine," Knievel told the St. Petersburg Times. "I don't want my children or my grandchildren associated with this kind of thing...I want it stopped."

Knievel is also seeking royalties and an injunction to prevent Kanye West from using Evil Knievel's image in the future. The single and video for "Touch the Sky" are taken from West's triple platinum album, Late Registration.

West and the "Touch the Sky" video were subject of controversy last month at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

The rapper burst onto the stage as Justice and Simian were being awarded Best Video and went into a tirade over losing in the category.

West later apologized to Justice and Simian for his antics.

Tragedy Strikes Family Of Cash Money's Williams Brothers

Tragedy has struck the family of Ronald "Slim" Williams and Bryan "Baby" Williams yesterday (Dec. 11) when their sister Tamara Williams, 26, was killed in a head-on collision in New Orleans.

Williams, who majored in psychology and was studying for a nursing degree, died when her 2006 Toyota Camry was struck by a motorist who was driving the wrong direction on a downtown boulevard.

She leaves behind a husband and three children. The other driver, Jason Williams, 30, is in a local hospital where he is in serious condition.

Tamara Williams was the youngest of six siblings.

Foxy's In More Trouble

The AP reports that Foxy Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, was ordered to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court today (December 11) to answer to allegations that she has violated the terms of her three year probation. According to Shwanda Weinberg, an attorney for the New York Department of Probation, Brown has failed to keep appointments with her probation officers, attend anger management classes or submit to drug screening tests. Foxy has been on probation since August when she plead guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from a fight in a Manhattan nail salon. Today Weinberg told Judge Melissa C. Jackson that the rapper has sought special treatment because of her celebrity and suggested that she be given some jail time.

Judge Jackson did not allow Brown to respond to the charge and informed her that she should comply with the terms of her sentence or face jail time. After the hearing, Foxy explained to reporters that she has passed all her drug tests and has never violated her probation. She asserted that Weinberg’s allegations of a request for special treatment were a result of her unwillingness to wait in a downtown Brooklyn probation office for three hours with what she referred to as “all kind of criminals.” “My safety was in jeopardy, she commented. “I asked can we make another plan, and he said I had to sit there like every other probationer. I didn’t think they were going to throw me in with the wolves.”

Detox Coming Out in September

Apparently, Dr. Dre has settled on a time frame to release his highly anticipated album, Detox.

In a video clip in circulation on the Internet [See Bottom of Article] that features Dre, the producer and his protégé Bishop Lamont reveal that the album will be released in September of 2007.

The clip is a mere 31 seconds long, but Bishop Lamont states, "You see this man right here, we gonna do shameless promotion - Detox [in] September. This is not make believe."

The pair are in a recording studio and the camera pans to show some of the sophisticated equipment. Dre and Lamont share a couple crass jokes before the clip finishes.

Fans have waited several years for an announcement such as this.

While there are no confirmations why the album has taken so long, many speculate that Detox's tracks have gone to the likes of Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and The Game, who have all benefited from the productions of the incomparable beat maestro.

The album was initially announced around 2002, planned for 2004 and people have been waiting since.

Even The Game, one of Dre's affiliates quipped, "I might just put out Detox myself" on "Compton" from Doctor's Advocate.

The album boast appearances, production and assistance from several top artists like Eminem and producers like Kon Artis, Nottz, Mahogany, and Hi-Tek.

Dr. Dre's last album 2001, came in 1999 and was a phenomenon on a pop level as well as amidst the Hip-Hop community.

Andre 3000 Shoots Hoops With Will Ferrell In New Flick

Produced by New Line Cinema, the film is set in the '70s and centers around Jackie Moon (Ferrell's character) the owner/coach/player of the American Basketball Association's (ABA) fictional Flint Michigan Tropics. Moon strives to bring his team to the next level throughout the flick.

Meanwhile, Andre will playe the star of the team, a stylish ladies man type. Woody Harrelson has also been cast for the project. Former New Line executive Kent Alterman will make his directorial debut by helming the project.

In the past few years, Andre has starred in an increasing amount of films and sharing screen time with Hollywood heavyweights. His more recent projects include 2005's "Revolver," 2005's "Four Brothers," 2005's "Be Cool" and 2006's "Idlewild."

In related news, Dre has been doing more and more rapping as of late. After appearing on DJ Unk's "Walk It Out" remix alongside Jim Jones, reports say that he and Dipset Capo are set to appear on Rich Boy's "Throw Some D's" remix as well. The ATLien will also appear on a remix of R&B singer Lloyd's current hit song, "I Want You."

Lil' Wayne Explains Jay-Z Comments, Clipse Fire Back At Lil' Wayne

After setting the streets ablaze with controversial comments about Jay-Z, The Clipse, Young Buck and Pharrell in the December/January issue of Complex magazine, Lil' Wayne recently called in to DJ Absolut's Hot 97 show in an attempt to temper his words.

During the 7-minute interview, Weezy addresses comments he made to Complex about Jay-Z.

“I don’t like what he’s saying about how he had to come back because Hip-Hop’s dead and we need him. It’s not your house anymore, and I’m better than you," Lil' Wayne told the magazine.

When asked to explain, Lil Wayne explained that he didn't like the concept that Jay-Z's comeback album was built upon the notion that Hip-Hop is dead.

“I think I speak for everybody when I say it’s not dead as long as I’m still dropping albums,” Lil' Wayne told DJ Absolut.

Wayne also disclosed that some of the comments stem from the brief courtship between him and Roc-A-Fella last year when he his weighing his label re-signing options.

“I want people to just look at it like that dude who came out of college that was supposed to get drafted by the #1 team, which was Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam,” stated Wayne. “They passed on me and now I with a good team and a good coach and of course on every interview I’m gonna cut down the team that didn’t pick me.

Lil' Wayne also stuck to his position that he is a better rapper than Jay-Z.

"I'm better than this game," Lil' Wayne declared. "We could be having this conversation about any other person in this game. It was who I was asked about at this time. Yall trying to build a case on me. But I tell you what. If you build a case against me and take me to trial, I will beat it."

In addition to Jay Z, Wayne also had choice words for The Clipse and Pharrell saying, “"I don’t see no f—ing Clipse. How many years them n— been around? Who the f— is Pharrell? Do you really respect him?”

Upon hearing his comments, The Clipse took to the airwaves in WWHV Hot 102.1 FM in Virginia to respond to an already tense situation.

“Wayne, you sort of copying The Clipse right now,” Pusha T told DJ Derrick Da Franchise. “I think he made a bad judgment call and just decided to take a swipe at us…maybe he’s got an album coming out. This is a small thing to a giant, he’s just acting out.”

"If anything, I am upset about him using the F word before my name, being as though he likes to sit around and kiss men. If you gonna kiss men, you can't even use them words in conjunction with The Clipse, Pharrell, or any of the [Star Trak ] family. He's definitely acting out right now. Jay-Z? Do what you gotta do. But involve The Clipse? You don't want to do that. I already don't look at him like a G. He aint nothing like me."

Jay-Z Slips, Snoop Follows Suit, Clipse Steal Third

In this week's Hip-Hop Charts, Jay-Z holds the crown, Snoop Dogg is still in second, and The Clipse are on the come up.

Holding it down at the top of rap competition is Jay-Z, coming in at No. 6. Hova drops hard body since last week's 680K charts debut, but has still put it down with 139,900 copies sold this week. With the single, "Kingdom Come," still spinning the airwaves in New York City and "Lost Ones" warming up nationwide, Hov's comeback CD has pushed 821,700 units in total.

Slipping seven seats to No. 12 this week is Snoop Dogg. Despite the slight drop on the charts, Blue Carpet Treatment is still putting in work, as the total numbers read off at 355,100 after only 2 weeks on the charts. Fourth quarter appears to have gone off with a bang, as "That's That Shit" continues to plague the airwaves, contributing to the 90,300 discs pushed this week.

Debuting on the charts at No. 14 is Clipse. After numerous push-backs and other label conflicts, it seems as if quite a bit of hype for Hell Hath No Fury has gone down substantially, as the numbers for this week only read off at 79,600. Pusha T and Malice, however, scored a hit with last summer's "Mr. Me Too."

Tumbling ten positions is The Game, landing hard at No. 23. It seems as if the clout for Doctor's Advocate is diminishing, as his week-end numbers have rounded off at 61,800, compared to 134,100 last week. After 3 weeks going, Game has hit official gold status with 554,800 copies, still a far cry from the "five million" he has estimated for his second LP.

Taking a nosedive to No. 30 is Tupac. After last week's impressive debut at 159,000, Pac has slipped twenty-one seats on the charts. Pac's Life has finished off at 211,900 in total, with this week's numbers topping off at 52,300.

Debuting on the Hip-Hop Charts this week is the Ying Yang Twins, catching a brick at No. 40. Their new album, Chemically Imbalanced, has whispered its way onto the charts, as the numbers read off at 36,200.

Losing the rap race this week is Ludacris, falling fifteen seats to No. 50. The latest single from Luda, entitled "Runaway Love," features Mary J. Blige and is the third song off of Release Therapy. Unfortunately, the weekly numbers are still slowing down, with 27,600 sold this week, compared to 49,600 last week. After 11 weeks, the ATL rapper has scored at 793,100.

Up next is Baby and Lil' Wayne, falling ten seats to land at No. 54 this week. It's been 5 weeks for the duo, and the total numbers read off at 364,100, with the 7-day cycle ending at 25,500.

Still holding it down is Jim Jones, clinging hard to No. 70. Jim Jones is still pushing units for Hustler's P.O.M.E, getting that independent guap with 202,800 CDs sold thus far. This week, the Harlem rapper has pushed 19,900 copies.

Slowing the tempo, Akon is still riding high, Beyonce is still a big hit, Justin Timberlake is slowing down, Fergie steps down, and John Legend slips once again. Coming in at No. 8 this week is Akon. His disc appears to be a big hit, as 110,300 copies have been sold in this week alone. After 2 weeks, Konvicted has surpassed gold status at 558,500. Stepping only one slot out of the top ten this week is Beyonce, making the grade at No. 11. The star of "Dreamgirls," which is slated for release this month, is still riding off her hit single "Irreplaceable." This week, "B" has finished 94,700 copies, bringing B'Day to 1,492,200 after 13 weeks on the move. Taking No. 26 this week is Timberlake. The total for Futuresex/Lovesounds read off at 1,866,000, with the 7-day cycle rounding off at 57,800. One foot below is Fergie, taking the No. 28 seat. This week, Fergie has pushed 57,200 units, as the total for Dutchess stands tall at 712,300. Last but not least is John Legend, coming in at No. 34. The legend continues after 6 weeks on the move, as Once Again holds it down at official gold status. The total numbers for John's latest effort read off at 577,500, as the week-end total represents at 44,700.

Next week, look out for Eminem, Lil' Scrappy, and Project Pat to make an entrance on the charts.

Kanye, Nas, Rakim, KRS Collaborate On Track Dedicated To AF1's

A variety of Hip-Hop legends and athletes will gather in New York this weekend to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of Nike's Air Force 1 sneaker.

Nike will host an invite-only celebration this Sunday (Dec. 10) in New York.

During the celebration, rappers Kanye West, Nas, Rakim and KRS-One will unveil and perform a new, Rick Rubin-produced original song, dedicated to the sneaker.

Rubin is well known for his wide range of hit productions, which include another sneaker anthem, Run-DMC's 1986 smash single, "My Adidas."

Guests expected to attend include Dave Chappelle, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Rihanna, Queen Latifah, Spike Lee, Moses Malone, Usher, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J and others.

The Air Force 1 sneaker has become a staple of fashion in the Hip-Hop community and has been the topic of several songs, including Nelly's No. 1 hit, "Air Force One's."

The sneaker was created in 1982 and has remained one of Nike's top selling shoes for over two decades.

Dame Dash Taps Into Online Market

After seeing the success of social networking sites like MySpace, hip-hop hustler Damon Dash is backing his own site which will specifically cater to the urban market.

The site, blocksavvy.com, is a partnership between Dash and web designer Kwame DeCuir. It is said to combine the personal profiling options of similar sites like MySpace and Friendster but with an urban twist.

Consisting of different neighborhoods or "blocks," the site is designed to appeal to different demographic groups from fashion-conscious teens to sophisticated urbanites. Those who sign up on the site have the option to build a personal profile, decide where they want to live and pick a room on their respective block. Users are invited to join by a group of charter members who have populated the site since it started testing in October.

"We have the luxury of not having to commit the whole site," DeCuir explained. "Our architecture is open-ended, so we can build a block to suit any group or brand. Social networking is at its height right now. There are a lot of sites out there, but they all have a similar problem. There is a lot of traction and a lot of users, but it is a challenge to monetize those users."

The site, while it features a social component, is also aimed at brands, advertisers and sponsorships as well. Dash plans to have a virtual store for his Pro Keds brand on the site as well as additional exposure for his other business ventures.

"Blocksavvy is the best and most efficient way for brands and consumers alike to have a mutually beneficial experience online," said Dash.

Other brands and businesses also will be able to showcase and sell products to residents from photorealistic storefronts in a virtual shopping mall using "savvy dollars," the site's virtual currency that is redeemable for actual cash.

The site is also integrated with other social networks and third-party content providers like Flickr and YouTube in order to give users access to both widely popular and exclusive content.

Lil' Wayne Licks Shots

Weezy F. Baby gets personal in the new issue of 'Complex.' Apparently Wayne isn't happy with Jay-Z's recent claims that Hip-Hop is dead... "I don't like what he's [Jay-Z] saying about how he had to come back because hip-hop's dead and we need him, What the fuck do you mean? If anything it's reborn, so he's probably having a problem with that. You left on a good note, and all of the artists were saying, 'Yo, this is Jay's house. He's the best.' Now he comes back and still thinks it's his house. But we fucked bitches in your bed already. It's not your house anymore and I'm better than you." Strangely, he goes at Pharrell and The Clipse as well.

"I don't see no fucking Clipse. This is a fucking legend you're talking to right here. How many years them niggas been around? Who the fuck is Pharrell? Do you really respect him? That nigga wore BAPE and y'all thought he was weird. I wore it and y'all thought it was hot. What I gotta go in the store and say, 'I like these colors but I can't buy them because other rappers wore them?'" Furthermore, President Carter addresses Young Buck on "the kiss."

"I don't give a fuck about what he thinks or said," Wayne declared. "I'm rich! I'm something to talk about. He should have been promoting his album. These niggas know where I'm from. I'm from the city of death, nigga. We kill niggas for nothing. That's why they're doing it on radio stations and interviews. Them niggas see me and shake my hand and tell me, 'You the best, dog, keep doing that shit.'"

"I don’t fault nobody for misunderstanding. I don’t understand a lot of shit. Baby walked in the crib one day and was like, ‘Everybody’s doing this black mob shit. When I see you niggas, this is what we’re gonna do.’ And that’s why you’ve probably got a picture of me because I stuck with everything that man said. But every nigga’s done that. I’ve done kissed [Juvenile and B.G.]. No homo. Pause."

Hip-Hop's Royal Couple To Wed?

The same day that Hova releases the video to his second single for 'Kingdome Come' (the same song in which he talks about ending his relationship with B,) rumors surface that Jay-Z & Beyonce will tie the knot. Supposedly B is throwing a surprise four day birthday bash for her man, ending in an exchange of vows. The Ceremony is said to take place in Anguilla [Cap Juluca] where the couple previously toured and approved the location for the place where they will wed. Only time will tell if this rumor is true.

Video Drops For "Kingdome Come's" Second Single

Jay-Z's second single, "Lost Ones" debuts.