In Friday’s Daily Rap the latest on the death of Pimp C, arrest from stabbing of Fabolous friend, Kanye West and Amy Winehouse lead Grammy nominations Jay Z’s time as Def Jam President may be over. Pimp C update Just days after he was found dead in a LA hotel room, rapper Pimp C born Chad Butler was given his first Grammy nod for his track with fellow UGK member Bun B and Atlanta duo Outkast. International Players Anthem is nominated in the best Rap collaboration from a duo or group. It has been reported that the Port Arthur, TX native did die from natural causes and results from toxicology reports will be available within six to eight weeks. Butler was close to 20 years in the Rap industry and was a key figure in the explosion of Southern Hip-Hop. Arrest Made The man alleged to have fatally stabbed the long time friend of rapper Fabolous was arrested in a Georgia airport yesterday. Anthony Taylor was arrested for the murder of Shamel McKinney who died over the Thanksgiving holiday outside an NYC club.
The attacks is alleged to have come after McKinney tried to snatch a chain from Taylor who is employed in the music industry.
Grammy News
Turns out the most troubled of performers are the ones nominated for the most Grammys this year. After losing his Mother unexpectedly last month rapper/producer Kanye West has been nominated for eight awards including Best Album for Graduation, his third solo project. Amy Winehouse who amassed incredible sales with her second album Back to Black achieved six awards and rapper Jay Z and producer Timbaland gained five nods apiece.
The award ceremony which is to take place on February 10th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles will be the 50th celebration recognizing artists and performers from all genres of music.
Jay Z demands too much
As his three years at Def Jam as President are coming to an end it is looking like Jay Z might have to try and find himself a new role. It is speculated that the demands made by the rapper are exceeding the budgets of both Def Jam and mother company Universal.
Recent lay offs at Def Jam hinted that the label may have over spent on Jay Z's recent project American Gangster which had yet to make it to platinum status at the time of the reshuffle. There had been reports that Carter may move over to Sony/Columbia with Def Jam founder Rick Rubin to work within the Urban Division. Sony/Columbia also plays home to Jay Z's long time girlfriend Beyonce Knowles.
Melanie Cornish