TRAE HONORED IN TEXAS WITH 'TRAE DAY'

STEAL(KINGSMEN ENT) -N- TRAE

Houston, TX - For all of the controversy and negative imagery attached to the rap music world, its artists often do much to give back to their communities and show support for the young people coming up behind them. One such artist is Houston's Trae tha Truth, and, in honor of his outstanding work within the community, the City of Houston is honoring Trae with his own day; the first time this honor has been extended to a rap artist. Henceforth, July 22nd will be known as Trae Day. The proclamation honoring Trae will be read at 2PM on that day by Houston's Mayor, Bill White, and the ceremony will be attended by City officials and several prominent rap artists. In further celebration of Trae Day, Trae is throwing what is to become an annual event; a block party at Houston's Sharpstown Mall where he will be joined not only by City officials and members of the rap community, but hundreds of children and their families from the communities that Trae routinely gives back to. The party will feature games and rides for the children, food and drinks and free live performances by Trae and a host of very special surprise guests.

DAVID BANNER SMASHES REV. JESSE JACKSON

PICTURE TAKEN BY:STEAL

Days after the Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized for making negative comments about Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, rapper David Banner is weighing in on the controversy.



Banner, who drew headlines during the Imus scandal for his scathing comments about Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, also rapped about Jackson on the track “So Special.”



Rev. Jesse Jackson came under fire since making what he called "crude and hurtful" remarks about Obama on Sunday (July 6) after an interview with a Fox News correspondent.



The former Democratic presidential contender, who was not aware that his microphone was still on while talking to UnitedHealth Group executive Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, whispered "See, Barack's been talking down to black people…I want to cut his nuts off" to Tuckson who was also being interviewed on Fox News.



News of the incident dominated morning talk shows and other media outlets since it became public.



"He didn’t literally mean that he wanted to cut Barack’s balls off. So we just need to quit it and move on," David Banner told AllHipHop.com. “This is one of the most important elections in history and we should focus on what’s right and what’s wrong. We’re gonna mess around and let the same thing happen with the last two elections and then we as American people are gonna be sitting up looking stupid with high ass gas prices again and our troops still at war."



On Wednesday (July 9), Jackson apologized for his remarks as well as any hurt or harm the comments caused the Obama campaign.



Although a spokesman for the campaign relayed that the Illinois senator accepted Jackson’s apology, Jackson’s son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., of Illinois was less forgiving as he publicly voiced his outrage and disappointment over his father’s remarks about Obama by calling them "reckless statements."



While the elder Jackson’s comments may have come as a shock, Banner was quick to point out the importance of looking at the bigger picture.



“I think the thing that we should focus on more is the disconnect between young black people and old black people. And the truth, when it comes down to it, is about what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Banner.



While criticism is regularly thrown at leaders such as Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton, Banner points out that representation must exist for the current generation of voters.



“We need to agree on who our leaders are gonna be. When we go through a generation without representation, who’s representing our generation that comes from our generation? Who is speaking out and pushing for policies for our generation?” Banner asked. “We complain about Jesse Jackson and people like that, but who are we gonna put in those positions? Who’s gonna step up to the forefront and take responsibility?”



Banner’s encouragement for fans to become active on issues affecting them is voiced on "So Long," a song off his forthcoming album The Greatest Story Ever Told, which hits stores Tuesday (July 15).

YUNG JOC SUED FOR $25,000 OVER STEREO SYSTEM

Rapper Yung Joc is set to appear in court on Monday (July 14) to dispute an unpaid bill for high-end stereo equipment.



According to WSBTV channel 2, the case involves fraud and contract disputes between the Atlanta rapper (born Jasiel Robinson) and a company called "Stereotypes."



The conflict stems from claims by Stereotypes that Robinson did not pay the company for installing high-end stereo equipment in his car.



According to court documents, services provided by Stereotypes totaled nearly $25,000 dollars.



The pending trial will take place at the Fulton County Courthouse.



The news comes as Robinson, who recently signed a deal with Jive Records, is planning to release the debut album of Chicago-based rap trio Hot Stylz.



The group, which is enjoying the success of its hit single "Lookin’ Boy," is one of the artists affiliated with Robinson’s imprint, Swagg Team Entertainment.