T.I
In todays Daily Rap we bring reports of J-Kwon found safe and sound, T.I.’s clothing ad being withdrawn and a DMX fundraiser cancelled.
MISSING RAPPER J-KWON FOUND
Rapper J-Kwon has ended a month-long mystery about his whereabouts by reaching out to his record company bosses on Thursday - a day after they announced he was missing.
Music executives at Gracie Productions issued a public plea for help on Wednesday after revealing the Tipsy hitmaker, real name Jarrell Jones, had not been seen by his loved ones in St. Louis, Missouri since the beginning of February.
And it seems the appeal worked - J-Kwon contacted label bosses to let them know he was safe and just enjoying some time away from the spotlight. Company CEO Dorian Washington says, "I am very happy to let everyone know that I personally spoke with J-Kwon today, and he is OK. He'd like to send a sincere apology to his friends and everyone who showed concern this week. He was taking some time to himself as he sometimes does, not realising that people would start to worry after a while.
"Right now he just wants to keep doing what he's doing, and will be more available for those who care about him. We thank you again for your outreach, and we are relieved to know he'll be alright."
T.I.'S CLOTHING AD WITHDRAWN AFTER CONTROVERSY
Advertising billboards for rapper T.I.'s clothing brand Akoo are set to be taken down in Newark, New Jersey after drawing criticism for its sexually-suggestive tones.
The ad, which features a woman kneeling in front of a man while appearing to pull down his unbuckled jeans, caused controversy among locals and city officials who found the fashion shot "offensive".
Newark mayor Cory Booker said, "So often when I am out in the community I see kids wearing their pants too low and others using inappropriate language in public. I will work with my city council to see if we can address it so we don’t see these types of advertisements displayed in our city in the near future."
The comments prompted AKOO bosses to issue their own statement defending the poster, insisting they always aim to "inspire individualism and creativity".
The executives added, "Our advertising campaign was not created to offend or insult anyone but to simply provoke dialogue and thought regarding male/female sexuality within urban culture."
But the heads of the advertising company responsible for posting the billboard, CBS Outdoor, have caved under the pressure to have the ad removed and they have confirmed they are taking steps to withdraw the image.
DMX FUNDRAISER CANCELLED
A fundraiser for DMX's church has been cancelled after venue owners discovered the rapper's plans to perform.
The controversial hip-hop star was due to take the stage at Independence High School in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday as part of the special show benefiting Morning Star Sanctified Church, where the rapper and his family worship.
Church officials took out a $1 million ($667,000) insurance policy for the gig, billed as a 'gospel rap extravaganza', and paid the school a $500 (£335) deposit, but now they've had to refund ticket-holders after school authorities decided to axe the show once they learned DMX was on the bill.
Pastor Barbara King tells TMZ.com there are plans to reschedule the concert and hold it in the church. DMX spent time in jail last year on charges of drug possession, animal cruelty and theft, stemming from various arrests in 2008.
After his release last May he was sentenced to 18 months probation for verbally threatening a guard during his stint in prison.