Ellington

I've been traveling a bit, but I'm back to give you guys the latest goings-on of hip-hop throughout our fine nation. To begin with, lawyers for civil rights legend Rosa Parks have released a statement from her doctors that assert that she suffers from dementia and should not answer questions relating to her lawsuit against Outkast. Parks, 91, filed the suit over the group's hit song "Rosa Parks," which was featured on their five-mic release, "Aquemini." They are using Parks' cancellation of a meeting with President Bush in 2001 as proof of her condition.

Game-maker Namco America has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York against rapper Lil' Flip and Sony Music Entertainment for copyright infringement, over the rapper's hit song "Game Over." Namco alleges that their copyright was infringed upon with the use of samples from the games "Pac-Man" and "Ms. Pac-Man." It seems that the portions that were sampled were never cleared, so Namco is seeking damages upward of $10 million.

If you are a fan of The Dave Chappelle Show, then you may be aware of The Fugees reunion that is reportedly underway. The group reportedly all came together and performed for Chapelle's Block party a few weeks ago. Word also has it that the trio is planning on stepping into the studio for a full-length project soon. Lauryn Hill is also putting the final touches on her much-delayed sophomore album tentatively titled "The Khulami Phase."

In this political season you may have noticed that many artists are taking on an ever-increasing political tone with their lyrics. Eminem is no exception as can be found in leaked portions of his as-yet-unreleased album "Encore." Word on the street has it that this album has less shock value, and most of the album deals with social issues. When the LP is released on Nov. 16, it will also include a bonus CD featuring songs that were leaked over the past year.

Lastly, I want to congratulate Canton's Boo Da Boss Playa who reportedly is in final negotiations with Clive Davis' J Records. The exact fiduciary figures have not been released but from what I understand the Boss Playa is about to become a lot richer.