I your weekend rap-roundup find out about Rah Digga movie role the Zune Concerts, Universal and Mary J Blige, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, and Irv Gotti

Former Flipmode First Lady takes to the screen
Rah Digga, Busta Rhymes Flipmodes former first lady has just landed her first major role in the movie Between Heaven and Hell. Having thrown in the Mic earlier this year to pursue other avenues, Rah Digga is happy to be still providing her loyal fan base with some other form of artistry.The rapper born Rashia Fisher put out her only album in 2000, Dirty Harriet. Further projects from the New Jersey native never saw shelf life due to label issues.
Zune Concerts
The Microsoft Zune which rivals the I-Pod are enlisting numerous Hip-Hop stars for their up and coming spate of Summer concerts. The shows which are set to take place in
July 12 - Los Angeles, CA
July 21 - Chicago, IL
August 4 - NY, New York
will include names such as Lil Jon, The Clipse, Mos Def and Common.The name of the series of concerts is Live at the BBQ and rapper Bun B who is also set to hit the stage had this to say "Live at the BBQ is helping to bring hip-hop back to a golden age where records were produced and iconic artists rose directly out of their local communities," he explained. "It's a chance to put singles, ring tones and industry hype aside and just get a bunch of our friends together for some great music and BBQ. Let's eat.The Microsoft Zune hit the market in the US late last year and with its 30 GB memory is capable of holding up to 7500 songs. It has yet to launch in the UK.

Universal Records checks I Tunes
Universal Music Group which is home to artists like 50 Cent, Mary J Blige and Mariah Carey has opted to work with I Tunes on a month to month basis as opposed to the two years I Tunes was hoping to agree on with the company.

The reasoning behind UMG failing to sign the two month contract is because the company wants the flexibility to pick and choose who they allow to sell their music as the market for digital music continues to expand. Apple who are the force behind I Tunes currently control over 70% of the digital music market.

Irv Gotti heads to Reality TV land
The CEO of Inc Records, what was known as Murder Inc, Irv Gotti is said to be yet another music industry name to jump on our TV screens in his own reality TV show. His show which is yet to be named will air on VH1, the channel famed for Flava Flav's Flavor of Love series. The show which is based around the executives home life and his relationship with his estranged wife, who he has yet to divorce has allegedly been compared to cult TV show The Sporanos by executives at VH1.

In other Inc related news, first lady of the label Long Island native, Ashanti is working on her new album. The first single off the album Switch features the R&B singers rapper boyfriend, Nelly. The Declaration will be Ashanti's fourth studio album and is expected to be released in October.

MJC