2008 in hip hop

Events

January
*The Game states that after his third album, "L.A.X.", he will retire. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6170/title.black-wall-street-confirms-the-games-retirement-rumor]
*Freekey Zeekey states that all is well with Dipset, and they are working on new projects. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6202/title.freekey-zeekey-says-the-dips-are-back-together]
*Rick Ross says that "Trilla" will be one of the best albums of 2008, and that he and Birdman are recording an album together, as well as making a movie together. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6208/title.dxclusive-rick-ross-and-birdman-recording-album]
*50 Cent, Timbaland, Mary J. Blige, and Wyclef Jean are listed in the Albany, New York "Times Union" list of steroid trafficking. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6216/title.50-cent-timbaland-and-wyclef-listed-in-steroids-probe]
*Eminem was rushed to the hospital due to complications of pneumonia, and reports said eminem's weight had exceeded 200 pounds [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579236/20080108/eminem.jhtml]
*Twista launches a new label called the Get Money Gang. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6223/title.twista-launches-label-readies-first-release]
*Flo Rida breaks a digital sales record, by selling over 470,000 digital units in one week. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6232/title.flo-rida-comments-on-breaking-digital-sales-record]
*Nate Dogg suffers a stroke. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6236/title.nate-dogg-suffers-stroke]
*L.A. Reid is named Def Jam President, after Jay-Z stepped down to pursue other options. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6296/title.harve-pierre-named-president-of-bad-boy-records]
*Joell Ortiz leaves Aftermath Entertainment after not being able to produce music at the rate he wanted to. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6304/title.joell-ortiz-no-longer-with-aftermath]

February
*Devin the Dude leaves Rap-a-Lot Records. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6336/title.devin-the-dude-leaves-rap-a-lot-records]
*A tabloid is made, that says Benzino was with Fat Joe's wife in the past, but the magazine was later found out to be fake. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6371/title.hhdx-news-bits-bun-b-benzino-vs-fat-joe]
*MTV president Christina Norman leaves her position. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6374/title.mtvs-president-steps-down]
*The Game was given 2 months in jail because of his several incidents of violence. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6377/title.the-game-sentenced-to-two-months-in-jail]
*DJ Khaled releases a label under Def Jam, called We The Best Music. He signs his first artist, Ace Hood. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6385/title.dj-khaled-signs-we-the-best-music-imprint-to-def-jam]
*Ruthless Records returns, with help from Sony. Eazy E's wife Tomica Woods-Wright is the CEO of the re-formed company. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6398/title.ruthless-records-returns-with-some-help-from-sony]
*Nas says his album, "Nigger", will be released in April. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6408/title.nas-targets-april-for-new-album]
*TVT Records (home of Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins, and Pitbull) closes down after 22 years in the business. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6413/title.tvt-records-files-for-bankruptcy-lays-off-staff]
*Lil Wayne says his album, "Tha Carter III", will be released in April. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6432/title.lil-wayne-visits-his-school-says-carter-iii-due-in-april]
*Producer and songwriter Static Major dies. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6456/title.producer-songwriter-static-passes-away]
*KRS-One and DJ Revolution sign to Duck Down Records. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6467/title.krs-one-dj-revolution-sign-to-duck-down]
*Fat Joe and 50 Cent's feud continues, with Fat Joe saying that in a fair fight, 50 would probably beat him, but he would love to send him to the dentist. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6467/title.krs-one-dj-revolution-sign-to-duck-down]

March
*Disturbing tha Peace signs with Def Jam. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6486/title.disturbing-tha-peace-enters-into-deal-with-def-jam]
*Fat Joe and 50 Cent continue to beef, especially through the internet and through videos. G-Unit releases a mixtape called "The Elephant In The Sand". [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6492/title.50-cent-fat-joe-papoose-trade-words-and-videos]
*G Unit's DJ, Whoo Kid, says he is going to retire. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6518/title.g-units-dj-whoo-kid-set-to-retire]
*Eminem and Royce Da 5'9" cease the beef. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6542/title.breaking-eminem-and-royce-da-59-squash-beef]
*Chuck Phillips of the "LA Times" says that Diddy and Jimmy Rosemond were in on the death of Tupac Shakur, but Diddy denies the rumor. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6568/title.l-a-times-reporter-implicates-diddy-rosemond-in-tupac-attack] [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6571/title.diddy-denies-involvement-in-tupac-assault]
*Jadakiss speaks on his highly anticipated debut album with Def Jam.
*Tha Carter III is set to be released on May 13, while L.A.X. is set to be released on June 24. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6621/title.dx-news-bits-game-lil-wayne-chris-brown-diddy]
*"LA Times" reports that said Diddy knew about the Tupac Shakur shooting before it happened were based on fraudulent documents, but LA Times later apologized for the rumors. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6625/title.tupac-murder-report-based-on-fraudulent-documents] [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6634/title.la-times-apologizes-for-tupac-story]
*T.I. is found guilty for gun charges. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6639/title.update-t-i-enters-guilty-plea]
*Nate Dogg pleads guilty on a domestic violence charge. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6636/title.nate-dogg-pleads-guilty-in-domestic-violence-charge]
*Remy Ma was found guilty of charges that were put against her last year, and could face up to 25 years in prison. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6638/title.remy-ma-found-guilty-faces-up-to-25-years]
*Former Dipset member Max B is shot, and is said to be in critical condition. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6640/title.former-diplomat-affiliate-max-b-shot]
*Nelly says that his first album in four years, "Brass Knuckles", is set to be released later in 2008. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6654/title.nelly-preps-new-album]
*50 Cent talks about the fake Benzino/Fat Joe Hip Hop Weekly album cover(he says he did not create it), and fires "warning shots" at Rick Ross. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6662/title.50-cent-fires-warning-shots-at-rick-ross]

April
*KL of Screwball dies. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6664/title.kl-of-screwball-passes-away]
*Jay-Z signs a $150,000,000 deal with Live Nation. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6678/title.jay-z-lands-150-million-deal-with-live-nation]
*Despite the big signs Diddy made to get Notorious B.I.G., Mase, and Mary J. Blige, Diddy says that his biggest sign is Janelle Monáe. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6693/title.diddy-unveils-biggest-signing-ever]
*Trina's album, "Still da Baddest", is the number 1 on the Rap albums on Billboard
*"Tha Carter III" is pushed back again, to June. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6722/title.-tha-carter-iii-pushed-back-again]
*Jermaine Dupri and TAG Body Spray launch a hip hop record label [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6724/title.jermaine-dupri-tag-brand-launch-hip-hop-record-label]
*DJ Whoo Kid says he doesn't want to retire, but he's not going to stick around until he's 40. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6730/title.dj-whoo-kid-explains-retirement-comments]
*The Trackmasters return. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6737/title.the-trackmasters-return-after-three-year-hiatus]
*Ja Rule says that soon he will release his new album, "The Mirror". [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6793/title.ja-rule-finally-set-to-release-the-mirror]
*Bobby Valentino leaves Disturbing Tha Peace [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6795/title.bobby-valentino-leaves-disturbing-tha-peace]
*The UK ban of Snoop Dogg is lifted.
*The Game moves the release date on "L.A.X." from June 24 to July 8. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6804/title.the-game-moves-release-date-to-july-8th]
*VL Mike murdered.

May
*DMX is arrested in Arizona because of drug and animal cruelty charges. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6910/title.dmx-arrested-in-arizona-on-drug-animal-cruelty-charges]
*MTV gets hip-hop hate because of the mediocre rappers that were on the list of the best. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6911/title.mtv-puts-best-emcee-list-up-to-viewer-vote]
*Suge Knight is assaulted and hospitalized. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6914/title.update-suge-knight-assaulted-and-hospitalized]
*Remy Ma's case gets re-evaluated, and only has to serve 8 years in prison. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6928/title.remy-ma-sentenced-to-eight-years-in-prison]
*"Mass Appeal Magazine" calls it quits after 12 years running. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6938/title.mass-appeal-magazine-to-no-longer-publish]
* Rick Ross's "Trilla" becomes the first hip hop album to be certified gold in 2008, due to the heavy airplay of his second single, "The Boss".
*Dunk Ryders sign to Cash Money Records. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6957/title.trick-daddys-dunk-ryders-sign-to-cash-money-records]
*A G-Unit representative denies the reports of the $300,000,000 deal. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6960/title.g-unit-rep-denies-50-cents-300-million-deal]
*Nas co-signs Jay Electronica. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6962/title.nas-co-signs-jay-electronica]
*Nas changes the name of his formerly titled "Nigger" album to "Nas". [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6963/title.nas-changes-album-title]
*Polow da Don is named the Songwriter of the Year by BMI. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6975/title.polow-da-don-named-songwriter-of-the-year]
*Saigon is released from Atlantic Records. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6978/title.saigon-released-from-atlantic-records]
*New York governor David Paterson pardons Slick Rick, ending his immigration woes. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6990/title.slick-rick-gets-pardoned-17-years-later]
*A judge orders Suge Knight to sell Death Row Records. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7027/title.judge-orders-suge-knight-to-sell-death-row-recordings]
*Yung Joc starts his own label under Jive Records called Swagg Team Entertainment, signing Chicago rap trio Hotstylz as its first act.

June
*Trick Daddy leaves Slip-N-Slide Records, and has talks with Def Jam. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7040/title.dx-clusive-trick-daddy-plans-new-album-and-new-label]
*Shakir Stewart gets promoted to Executive VP of Def Jam. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7049/title.shakir-stewart-promoted-to-executive-vp-of-def-jam]
*Charli Baltimore re-signs with Murder Inc. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7064/title.charli-baltimore-returns-to-murder-inc]
*Nas's album name changes again, to "Untitled". [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7092/title.nas-names-album-nothing-sets-release-date]
*The Game changes his release date of the album "L.A.X." again, to July 22, and also says that he has made the decision to NOT make LAX his last album. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7098/title.games-album-pushed-back-again] [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7102/title.game-says-l-a-x-wont-be-last-album]
* Lil Wayne's album, "Tha Carter III", sells over a million copies for its first week. This feat was last done by 50 Cent's "The Massacre". His debut single from the album, "Lollipop" was #1 on Billboard 100 for 5 non-consecutive weeks.
*T.I. signs 8Ball & MJG, while he continues to have beef with Shawty Lo and 50 Cent. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7128/title.t-i-signs-8ball-mjg-while-beef-continues]
*The Orchard wins the bid for TVT Records to buy out the bankrupt label. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7163/title.the-orchard-wins-bid-for-tvt-records]
*Nate Dogg is arrested for terrorist threats to his girlfriend. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7173/title.nate-dogg-arrested-for-terrorist-threats]
*DMX is arrested for not having a valid driver's license. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7177/title.dmx-arrested-in-miami]
*The Game's album, "L.A.X.", is once again pushed back, this time to August 26. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7185/title.l-a-x-pushed-back-to-august-26-game-previews-album]
*2 Pistols falls after one punch at a BET Awards pre-party from Dolla after back-and-forth disses. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7187/title.konvict-muzik-artist-dolla-punches-2-pistols-at-bet-awards]
*D-Block is set to release a new album; their first group album since 2000. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7197/title.d-block-preps-new-album]
*Death Row is sold in an auction after Suge Knight was ordered to sell the label; it was sold for 24 million dollars to Susan Berg. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7198/title.death-row-auctioned-off-for-24-million]
*DJ Khaled is set to release the album, "We Global", later in 2008 [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7201/title.dj-khaled-prepares-new-album]
*BET loses the sponsorship over violence, profanity, and obscenity in hip-hop videos. (Industry Ears and CNN, Proctor and Gamble, Pepsi and General Motors pulled their ads from Rap City and 106 & Park) [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7210/title.bet-loses-sponsorship-over-content]
*The Clipse will release their album, "", later in 2008 on Koch Records. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7211/title.the-clipse-hook-up-with-koch-records]
*Snoop Dogg states that he is impressed by "Detox", Dr. Dre's new album. He also says that Dre will produce his new album. [http://www.juize.fm/web/show/id=520683/contentid=82256]

July
*50 Cent sues Taco Bell for $4 million because the food chain had used his name without permission.
*Gucci Mane is arrested on gun and drug charges.
*Nas teams up with MoveOn.org and Color of Change to obtain signatures to end the accusations of Barack Obama.
*Lil Wayne's album, "Tha Carter III", is certified double platinum.
*Bone Thugs-n-Harmony reunite after many years with the release of Flesh-n-Bone from jail and the return of turmoiled group member Bizzy Bone. They are recording a reunion album, "Uni5".
*LL Cool J denies signing with G-Unit Records.
*It has been found out that popular Miami rapper Rick Ross used to be a correctional officer before becoming a rapper.
*Baltimore DJ, K-Swift, dies in a swimming pool.
*The mayor of Houston proclaimed July 22, "Trae Day", for Trae's help in the community and city.

August
*Master P gets the key to the city of Memphis for the "Let The Kids Grow Day" project he organized.
*Dr. Dre's daughter releases a controversial documentary talking about her dad not supporting her dreams of rapping.
*Big Boi and Killer Mike end their 3 year feud.
*Yung Berg is arrested for possession of a pistol and marijuana.
*Trae & Mike Jones get into an altercation at the 2008 Ozone Awards.
*Ice Cube's new album, "Raw Footage", is leaked onto the internet.
*Cam'ron sold Juelz Santana's contract to Def Jam for $2 million, hence removing Santana from the Diplomats roster.
*DJ Vlad sues Rick Ross for assaulting him.
*50 Cent is #1 on "Forbes"' 2008 Hip-Hop Cash Kings, making $150 million last year for his Vitamin Water deal, his sales of "Curtis", and his G-Unit clothing, and his record label. Following behind is Jay-Z at #2, Diddy at #3, and Kanye West at #4. Common, Akon, & Lil Wayne made first time showings on the list.
*Da Brat is sentenced to three years in prison for striking a woman with a rum bottle at an Atlanta nightclub in 2007. [ [http://www.rap-up.com/2008/08/22/da-brat-sentenced-to-three-years-in-jail/ Da Brat Sentenced to Three Years in Jail] Accessed August 22, 2008]
*The Game's new album, "L.A.X.", is leaked onto the Internet earlier than expected.
*Dr. Dre's son, Andre Young, Jr., aged 20, was found dead on August 23 2008.cite news|last=Martinez|first=Jennifer|title=Dr. Dre's 20 year-old son found dead|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2638705620080826 |work=Reuters|date=2008-08-6|accessdate=2008-08-26]
*Young Jeezy's new album, "The Recession", is leaked onto the Internet.
*LL Cool J's new album, "Exit 13", is leaked onto the Internet a day before its release.

September
*Young Berg was hospitialized, after being beaten up and robbed for his Transformers necklace in Detroit at Trick Trick's club, Plan B.
*Kanye West was arrested for damaging two of the paparazi's cameras. He posted bail for $20,000.
*Nelly's new album, "Brass Knuckles", is leaked onto the Internet four days before its release.
*50 Cent stated that his album "Before I Self Destruct" will be released on December 9, 2008, a week before Kanye's album will be released.
*Nate Dogg suffers his second stroke in less than a year. He is reported in critical condition.
*Ludacris's pool house gets set on fire. [ [http://www.rap-up.com/2008/09/25/ludacris-pool-house-burned-in-fire/ Ludacris’ Pool House Burned in Fire] Accessed September 28, 2008]
*Kanye West has pushed his album "808s and Heartbreak" to November.

October
*Maino allegedly smacked Yung Berg in the face. [ [http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh2P2AeQ5B8TVik64t Don't Disrespect "The Hand Of God": Maino Confirms The Rumors! "I Did Smack Yung Berg In ATL Club"] Accessed October 7, 2008]
*C-Murder supposed to appear in court on October 14, for his murder trial.
*50 Cent releases first single "Get Up" off new album Before I Self Destruct due December 9th.
*Sha Money XL releases info saying Eminem album to be called "Empact".
*Kanye West new album 808s and Heartbreak to be released November, 25.
*Lil' Jon signs to Universal Republic Records and plans to release next album sometime in 2009.

Albums

References