Jazz musician Sir John Dankworth dies at 82

Dr. Dre Headphones Becoming Favorites Of Athletes

Dr. Dre's brand of headphones, Monster Cable's Beats By Dre, have received some very high-profile product placement, from talk shows to music videos (Keri Hilson's and Lady Gaga's, just to name a few).

Now, some of sport's biggest stars will be rocking the high-end headphones, as the entire Cleveland Cavalier team was given custom-made Beats By Dre gear.

According to ESPN.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers' Lebron James also teamed up with the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant to purchase custom-made Beats By Dre for every member of the East and West NBA All-Star teams. James also gave the headphones to his U.S. Olympic teammates in 2008.

"I had high expectations," said Kevin Lee, Vice President of Brand and Business Development for Monster, of the headphones. "We surpassed my expectations. We released the Beats by Dre in 2008, and it took a good 12 months for it to hit the masses."

Lee spoke of the line's futristic and visually appealing side, but also noted their audio quality. "They give you full studio sound, because Dre is very particular about sound. It really does matter for athletes. That's why LeBron and Kobe rock our headphones."

"Athletes have always used music for some type of inspiration," said Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers running back and owner of Beats By Dre headphones . "We travel and do things that are active when we listen to music. We want the best product."

Indeed, headphones are a worthwhile investment for athletes, according to Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horfor, who had a pair of blue and white custom-made Beats By Dre headphones with the phrase "El Jefe" (The Boss) inscribed on the side made for him and his teammates.

Other athletes who've had custom headphones made for themeselves include Chad Ochocinco and Nate Robinson.

… Continue

DX News Bits: Erykah Badu, Ty Fyffe

Throughout her colorful career, Erykah Badu has maintained strong creative control over her music, a reality that has allowed the neo-soul/funk singer to experiment with several different sounds. While one of her latest singles, the Lil Wayne-featured "Jump Up in the Air and Stay There," has received favorable reviews, Badu has revealed that she will not add the track to her upcoming album New Amerykah Part Two. Her decision was made partly due to a desire to protect the integrity of her music.

"The age of Aquarius is a whirlwind, baby," she told Billboard. "I can say, 'No pictures, no video,' but everything is a video camera now. Because of the kind of artist I am, I don't want to lose the boutiqueness or the exclusivity of the music. The element of surprise is a true element for an artist, just like earth, wind, fire, and water."

The track, however, will remain available digitally, as will several remixes of the song featuring Snoop Dogg, Jay Electronica, Raekwon, and a few others. Badu expressed that the album will contain themes dealing with love, rather than the heavy political motifs heard on her last LP. New Amerykah Part Two will include production from Madlib, 9th Wonder, and Badu herself. The album is due on Mar. 30.

In other news, producer Ty Fyffe has extended his global "Raw 'N' Uncut" contest deadline to Apr. 15. The contest challenges rappers to send in their best video freestyles for a chance to appear on the "Raw 'N' Uncut" compilation hosted by DJ Kay Slay.

"I am very excited with the selections we have made so far," said Ty Fyffe, who has worked with artists like 50 Cent, Nas, and Rakim. "I'm still looking for a dope female and male singer, and I'd like to hear a reggae artist too."

Videos can be submitted at www.tyfyffe.com.

… Continue

Trill Entertainment Manager�s Murder Charges Dropped

According to the Associated Press murder charges against Melvin Vernell Jr. and Marcus Roach, two managers at Trill Entertainment, have been dropped.

The charges against the two men were dropped because prosecutors in the case waited too long to try the men on the charges they received. Prosecutors waited two years to try the men.

"The judge threw out the most serious charges. Attempted murder and armed robbery carry mandatory prison sentences," Lewis Unglesby, one of the men’s attorneys, told the AP.

Although the murder charges against Vernell and Roach have been dropped they still face the charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of an illegal firearm by a convicted felon.

Currently out on bond, both men will have to stand trial for the remaining charges in August.

Vernell and Roach were charged with attempted second-degree murder following a shooting at a store in Baton Rouge in 2005.

… Continue

Sandman Launches March P.C.P Concert Series, Honors Bahamadia

DXnext alum Sandman, along with the Philadelphia Coalition have announced a series of concerts on Wednedays nights in March.

Tonight kicks off the series, with an honor to one of Philadelphia's pioneering emcees, Bahamadia. She worked with the likes of Gang Starr, Da Beatminerz and The Roots on her 1996 critically-acclaimed debut Kollage. The emcee, who released two more albums is said to be at work on a documentary film.

To honor Bahamadia, Cannons Inc.'s Housewife, Trish Barnes, Nina Ross and early '00s Timbaland protege Ms. Jade are included on the bill, among others.

Next week's event features James Cagnie, also of Cannons Inc., E. Ness of Making The Band fame and others.

The March 24th event features Sandman, rising sensation Daddy-O and Tone Trump, among others.

Closing out the month, March 31st's event features Bump J., Donny Boy, Stacks Fam and others.

All events are held at Philadelphia's Arts Garage on Ridge Avenue.

… Continue

DMX Arrested, Battling Addiction

DMX's penchant for getting in trouble with the law continues, as the once-superstar rapper was once again arrested.

According to TMZ.com, the Yonkers rapper was arrested yesterday (March 9) in Arizona for violating the terms of his probation by using illegal drugs over the past nine months.

"He's been battling addiction for some time and he's in need of treatment," says X's lawyer, Gary Jenkins.

"We're hoping that maybe Dr. Drew might be able to help him," added Jenkins, referring to Dr. Drew Pinsky, a radio and television personality who specializes in addiciton medicine. In addition to hosting the syndicated radio talk show Loveline, Pinsky produces and stars in the Vh1 show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.

The Ruff Ryder has been arrested for countless charges in recent years, including having a warrant for having no vaild driver's license, as well as drug and animal cruelty charges.

UPDATE: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio revealed to MTV News today that the Yonkers emcee admitted to using cocaine, as drugs were found. As a result, the once-platinum superstar rapper remains in Maricopa County Jail. The sheriff was quoted as saying, "I think it's about time to give him hard time."

The sheriff did also suggest a behind-bars drug program that could allow DMX more leniency to expected parole violation sentencing.

… Continue