(Akiit.com) The Youngbloodz have sued Sony BMG Music Entertainment for $50 million in Manhattan Federal Court, claiming the label breached agreement to pay royalties, specifically for downloaded tunes. The group’s Still Grippin’ Tha Grain album was their only release on Sony, and was a “Best of” compilation that was released on Nov. 21, 2006. The Youngbloodz were originally signed to LaFace Records. One of the two group members, Sean Paul, is rumored to be signing as a solo artist with Diplomat Records as part of their new Dipset South Records, while J-Bo recently released a solo mixtape titled STILL Against the Grain.

DJ Biz Markie will be featured in Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-up, an uncensored stand-up original comedy showcase featuring some of the nation’s most talented young comedians. The show, executive produced by Lawrence and hosted by stand-up comic Doug Williams, will premiere on Apr. 18 on the Starz channel as part of the “Starz Comedy Hour.”

Young Jeezy will release his third album Young Jeezy Presents USDA: Cold Summer on May 22nd on his Corporate Thugz Entertainment (CTE) label. The mixtape-style album will feature production from CTE’s stable of up-and-coming producers like Sanchez, Nazty, Midnight Black and Drumma Boy, who produced the album’s first single called “White Girl.” Jeezy is currently out on the road headlining the national “Street Dream” tour and starting today, fans will be able to check out exclusive footage of the group on the road on USDA TV, a YouTube channel set up by CTE: www.youtube.com/usdatv

Starz Entertainment is celebrating the contributions of Ice Cube to the acting game starting the week of Apr. 1, by showing films dedicated to the actor on Starz and Starz InBlack. The special two-day film tribute will coincide with the theatrical release of his new film Are We Done Yet?, which hits theaters April 4. On Monday, April 2, Starz kicks off “Stars on Starz” with a 14-and-a-half minute exclusive On the Set: Are We Done Yet?, and will then feature two of Ice Cube’s hit films, Are We There Yet?, followed by xXx: State of the Union. The following day will feature Ice Cube hosting Close Up With … Ice Cube, a marathon of five of his films on Starz InBlack, including Higher Learning, Are We There Yet?” xXx: State of the Union, and Master P.’s comedy I Got the Hook-Up, which features a cameo appearance by Ice Cube.

By Alexis Jeffries

(Akiit.com) Houston, TX legend Scarface’s record label Underground Railroad is preparing to release the debut album from the rapper’s latest discovery, Killeen-based seven-man collective known as Green City.

The group’s album Brand New Money is the second album from Scarface’s Underground Railroad imprint, coming on the heels of the label’s first album by The Product.

Scarface, born Brad Jordan, discovered Green City while he was working out in his local gym. Green City consists of 7 members - Spark Dawg, Mike Hee, Yung Texxus (Killeen/Dover, DE), MJ, J. Scott, Big Spade and G-Ni.

Two pro-boxers in the gym that day attended high school with members of Green City and happened to be working out to the group’s music.

When Scarface asked the boxers who they were listening to, he was shocked to find out that the group didn’t have a deal and attempted to sign Green City on the spot.

“I am the best in the business when it comes to finding raw talent,” Scarface said. “I brought Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Lil’ Flip and TI to Def Jam, but they didn’t bite. I end up going to Killeen TX and found Green City. They are on some different shit, something you’ve never heard before. I stepped out of the box for Green City cause they bring a new flavor, they just do what they do.”

According to Scarface, Green City’s first single “Like A Porn Star (Party like a Rock Star)” featuring Mannie Fresh sums up the group philosophy.

“They party 24-7, for them it’s just a big ass party, but they get things done,” Scarface said. “They have the best presentation I have ever seen for a group trying to get signed, people have been sleeping on Green City. They are young and I don’t want anyone I need to baby-sit, but they don’t need a babysitter.”

The name Green City is slang that represents money, as well as the group’s extended family, which features over 50 group members.

“It’s surreal that we’re working with him - he is our hero, and a legend in all of our eyes,” group member Spark Dawg said. “No other person in Texas or even the South can give you such a big co-sign other than Face. We can’t lose with him backing us up/having our back, we are blessed to be working with him.”

By Roman Wolfe

(Akiit.com) Former Roc-A-Fella Records crooner Rell was one of three men arrested in a drug sting in Calhoun County, South Carolina yesterday (Mar. 29).

Rell, born Wilbur Gerrell Gaddis, was arrested after Postal Service agents intercepted a package containing 50 pounds of marijuana in Columbia, SC.

Agents allowed the package to be delivered to a home in Saint Matthews, SC, where police arrested Rell and two associates.

Rell, 30, originally hails from Bowman, SC, but listed a New Jersey residence at the time of his arrest.

All three men were charged with conspiracy to traffic marijuana.

Rell was the first male R&B singer signed to Roc-A-Fella Records.

He first appeared in Jay-Z’s movie Streets Is Watching and contributed the single “Love For Free” to the movie’s soundtrack.

He also appeared on “The Message” featuring Mary J. Blige, from Dr. Dre’s album 2001.

While signed to Roc-A-Fella, Rell also recorded with artists like Kanye West, Consequence, Young Gunz, Beanie Sigel and others.

By Roman Wolfe

(Akiit.com) Chicago rapper Twista has become a columnist for Red Eye, a publication of the Chicago Tribune.

The Chicago native will be featured in the print newspaper once a week and will be sharing his thoughts on various topics, asking fans questions, and giving fans an opportunity to ask him questions.

Readers will be able to find the emcee’s thoughts, answers, and questions weekly, in the print copy of Red Eye and online, where they can ask the rapper questions for inclusion in his column.

Twista’s seventh album, Adrenaline Rush 2007 will be released on Atlantic Records in Aug.

“Give It Up” featuring Pharrell is the album’s first single, which impacts radio in mid-April.

The album will feature production from the likes of Kanye West, Pharrell, and in-house producers Cuzo and Toxic.

By Rohit Loomba

Columbus, OH (Akiit.com) - Diversity Search Group Co-founder and former Vice President Eugene Edw. Curtain, III announces the launch of new firm with greater focus. Backed by a proven track record for success and a series of strategic partnerships, Curtain formed Diversity Search Partners, LLC to ensure diverse candidates receive proper recognition and consideration for executive-level positions.

Diversity Search Partners specializes in providing executive human capital solutions, with services ranging from corporate governance and CEO recruitment to executive and middle-management recruitment. In addition, the company offers strategic management assessment and executive coaching and development. Clients include top Fortune 500 companies, several major non profit organizations and Ivy League educational institutions.

Curtain and his team introduced new services and technology to improve the process of recruiting diverse candidates and make hiring more effective, efficient, manageable and rewarding. “We widened our scope to be more creative in meeting the growing needs of our clients,” said Curtain. “Our goal is to take the basic fundamentals and successes we previously used and improve upon them to become the premier diversity recruiting firm in the U.S.,” he said. To meet these goals, Diversity Search Partners offers a multi-faceted approach to recruiting by offering executive leadership coaching, recruiter training, career fair and hiring event planning.

Curtain is a proven expert in minority and diversity executive recruitment with more than a decade of experience in conducting senior-level searches for clients worldwide. Under Curtain’s leadership Diversity Search Partners formed strategic relationships with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), HBCUConnect.com, Diversity City Media and other minority serving organizations to establish the largest network of mid level management and executive candidates in the U.S.

In summer 2007, Diversity Search Partners will launch www.diversityjoblist.com, a job board where companies will advertise career opportunities to job seekers registered with Diversity Search Partners and several other major career sites throughout the U.S.

Diversity Search Partners is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Veteran Owned Business headquartered in Columbus Ohio, with offices in Cleveland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. E. Edw. Curtain, III has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences on diversity including Ohio’s State of the State Diversity conference and was recently featured in Who’s Who in Black Columbus, the National Society of Black Engineer’s Arsenal Magazine, and Essence magazine.