DMX
Rapper DMX Earns Early Prison Release
Incarcerated rapper DMX will walk free from prison in July (11) if he continues to stay out of trouble as he serves time for a probation violation.
The hip-hop star, real name Earl Simmons, was arrested at an Arizona club in November (10) after slipping up in his sobriety battle by using cocaine and consuming alcohol during a gig. He was also accused of driving on a suspended licence and failing to check in with his probation officer.
He pleaded guilty to the felony charge and was sentenced to a year behind bars at Arizona's Yuma Prison in December (10).
But DMX could be a free man this summer (11) if he keeps up his good behaviour, according to Freeda Harris, spokeswoman for Arizona State's Department of Corrections.
Harris tells XXLMag.com the rapper is likely to regain his freedom on 1 July (11), although he will remain under supervision until 12 August (11).
Ross Calls Off Summer Gig
Rapper Rick Ross has been forced to cancel an upcoming concert in Washington due to scheduling conflicts.
The hip-hop star was due to bring his I Am Legend show to the ShoWare Center in Kent on 3 June (11) with special guests including Trina, Slick Rick, Mann and Rob Base.
But the show has been called off due to a schedule clash. Ticketholders will be refunded in full, according to ShoWare manager Tim Higgins.
Promoters hope to reschedule the concert for the autumn (11).
Daddy Yankee Facing Lawsuit Over 2006 Track
Rapper Daddy Yankee has been slapped with a copyright infringement lawsuit over his hit 2006 song Rompe.
Musician David Moser is taking legal action against the reggaeton star amid claims Yankee based Rompe on his 1998 track Anoche, which received radio airplay in Mexico City.
The star went on to score huge commercial success with the song and Moser, who is based in San Miguel, Mexico, is suing for at least $150,000 (£93,750) in damages, in addition to a share of Rompe's profits, according to AllHipHop.com.
Legal papers filed in a court in Illinois state: "The infringing song and plaintiffs (sic) songs are substantially similar, because they coincide melodically, rhythmically and harmonically."