In todays Rap news - Whats happening across the 'Pond' catch up with Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons, the latest on Scott Storch and The Game, while Mary J Blige is honoured and Kanye West get ready for summer

Rick Rubin leaves Warner
Notorious producer Rick Rubin who is famed for co-founding Def Jam with Russell Simmons is leaving his post at Warner Brothers to move to Columbia Records to work along side Steve Barnett and Rob Stringer.At Columbia the eccentric producer will be working with the Sony/BMG label in developing talent as well as continuing to producer for Warner artists.Rubin said in a statement "Having the opportunity to work with Steve and Rob to help create what we hope will be the new model for the music business of the future is going to be a fun and exciting adventure. And you have to give them a lot of credit for having the vision to enlist a music maker instead of a more traditional choice."The producer who has worked with an extensive list of performers including Jay Z, Johnny Cash, The Geto Boys and The Beastie Boys will be bringing with him to Columbia his American imprint which includes the catalogs of Neil Diamond and The Black Crows.
Scott Storch being sued

The Miami based super producer Scott Storch who has been recently involved in an on going feud with rapper Timbaland is being sued by David Menefield LA Confidential owner. Storch received a loan from Menefield back in 2003 for $100,000 as he faced losing his home. However when the company looked for repayment Storch was not forthcoming and is now being sued for $550,000.

Game Update

The alleged incident which resulted in rapper The Game being arrested and released last weekend stems from a basketball game back in February in South Central Los Angeles.

The rapper is said to have pulled a hand gun and made criminal threats.

Game has released two albums The Documentary and The Doctors Advocate.

Mary J Blige receives ASCAP Award

The Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul, Mary J Blige will be honored at this years ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) when she receives the Voice of Music Award.

The award show will take place in Los Angeles on June 25th and will also recognize names such as Timbaland and Alicia Keys at its 20th annual Rhythm & Soul Awards.

Blige follows in the footsteps of Garth Brooks and Diane Warren as she receives this coveted award.

Kanye gets busy for the Summer

Famed Chicago rapper/producer Kanye West is set to drop his Graduation album in September.

The outspoken rapper who is also set to appear on stage with a slew of artists including Akon and Ludacris at the Live Earth Concert at Giants Stadium in New Jersey is also heading across the Atlantic to perform.

The 'Louis Vuitton Don' is set to do a show in Manchester and also appear at the V Festival in the UK on August 17th and 18th.

Melanie J Cornish