SOHH Atlanta

Today marks the official opening of ATL and box office sales are expected to be astronomic. The biggest hurdle holding ATL back from monopolizing theaters this week is Spike Lee's Inside Man and Ice Age with Queen Latifah. But, I wonder if the hype is heard nationwide like it is in the South?

Yeah, Atlanta is most definitely locked in to see ATL at the theaters this weekend. It's a sure thing, like Bush winning electoral votes in Texas.

Question is, will other cities show as much interest as we do? On the real, would a movie called NY starring Juelz Santana send cats from Atlanta and Memphis to the AMC in droves?

I will say that after seeing the movie at the premiere, besides the film having a strong message people, in other spots need to see it so they can get at least a slight understanding of Atlanta culture. Maybe then the NYC vs. ATL arguments will simmer down (see any SOHH ATLANTA Blog comments).

I think folk just love to hate on Atlanta for two reasons: They really don't understand us, and of course everybody hates it when you're on top. Hopefully ATL will give cats a small clue of what was, and what is ATL.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (636)

Chris Robinson, the super music video director who gave us the unforgettable images for Amerie's "1 Thing", Snoop's "Beautiful", and Jay-Z's "Change Clothes" finally gets his chance to wow us on the big screen with ATL. And you thought T.I. was the only talented newcomer with something to prove.

SOHH sat down with Chris to talk shop about T.I. and how the movie was made. Peep...

Chris Robinson on working with T.I.:

“Tip Harris! That’s my boy. He’s really the truth. When I first made this movie I said no rappers to myself. I mean I had worked with rappers before but I wanted my feature film debut to be different. I looked at actors in LA, New York, Atlanta. I saw every black actor that you’ve seen on every TV show and movie, but Tip came in and he killed it. He was always in the back of my mind because I did his video [I’m Serious] five years earlier.”

“And you know Dallas Austin always mentioned Tip like “What do you think about T.I.?” He was a young man, already from Atlanta. He had an old soul, and when I met him at 18 he was grown then. And that’s what Rashad’s character is. So T.I. brought his experiences to the room and if he hadn’t experienced it he at least knew what I was trying to communicate. He brought so much authenticity to the role because if we were doing something that wasn’t what happened in that neighborhood he would be like ‘nah it wouldn’t go down like this’. And he’s the expert. He’s from Atlanta. He is ATL.

I think he’s going to surprise people because he was brave enough not to be T.I., but to be Rashad. And we purposely didn’t put his music in the movie until the end because of the detachment it makes, you start feeling like its T.I. but its Rashad. I think that you’re going to see a lot more of that cat.”

Chris Robinson on making an authentic movie about Atlanta:

“The movie is called ATL and we wanted to make the city an actual character in the film. We couldn’t go to Toronto for that. To film in Atlanta was so important because we needed to get an accurate feel of the people, the vehicles, the attitudes, the accents, and just the overall culture of the city. We needed all that to really make the movie feel authentic.”

“From the initial script we’ve changed it a lot. When me and T.I. got together we wanted to make sure everything was authentic. I didn’t want anything in the film to be typical. I don’t know why any film maker would want to do anything that’s typical. So for me, once we got together collectively and thought about every facet of the movie, I just wanted to tell the truth and be authentic. This movie is not about skating. This movie really isn’t about drug dealing or anything like that. It's about choices people make and knowing how precious life is and that it can be gone in an instant. It's about the different paths that people take, and I think that the ending suited the movie. It pushed you all the way to the edge, and I think at the end I want people to realize ‘wow it coulda done this or it coulda done that’.”

Chris Robinson on his upcoming projects:

“I’m definitely going to have some fun this summer and do some videos, come back to the music scene. Well I hear a lot of my friends like Busta, Puff and Mary J., I’ve been so out of the mix doing my movie that you know I’m hearing all this good new music so I’m jumping back in to have some fun.”

“I’m also looking at scripts, I’m just going to take my time. It took me this long to do my first one, they say that the hardest thing to do is to make your second film, and to make it good. I want to make sure that whatever I take, I take it because I love it not just because I can.”

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (203)

Yes Sirrr ya' boy is still getting his head together after yesterday's premiere screening of ATL at Atlantic Station. It was big no doubt, so many people came through and showed love, it was good to see. The red carpet was thick (as in Serena Williams thick...yeah she was in the building).

Who was there? Let's see Michael Vick, Too Short, Monica, Serena, Jeezy, T.I, and really it was just a who's who of Atlanta shindig, and the after-party down the street at Fox Sports Grill was on point too, but that's another story.

But yeah, I finally got to see the movie. After T.I came out before the movie began and thanked everybody for their support we got to see an above-average movie that held your attention throughout.

I won't reveal specifics about the movie, I don't want to ruin it for you. But if you were waiting for T.I to fall flat on his face as an actor, it didn't happen. He held it down, ya' boy has a bright future on the big screen.

Was it strictly a skating movie? Not at all, it deals with the block, puppy love, dreams and aspirations, and just the overall ups and downs of life growing up in the inner-city.

It's no doubt a real good family movie, meaning I can see every age group from kids to grandparents enjoying it. Chris Robinson did do a helluva job representin' ATL from the grillz to the slang to the ol' skools.

Oh yeah, and I gotta apologize for even mentioning this movie in the same breath as Boyz In The Hood. Though it was a cool lil' movie, in no way does it compare on any level to Boyz In The Hood. It's a differnt type movie altogether. I was living in L.A. when Boyz came out and believe me there was nothing like it.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (220)

Had 100 1's/Bought a slab and flipped another one/Sold my lil' 380, Eazy said I need another gun/The lil'est in the trap and got it poppin' like some bubble gum --T.I from "I'm Straight" off the King CD.

ATTENTION! This is not a leak....

Roll out the red carpet, A King has finally arrived. Let me stop playin'. But on the real, T.I dropped King today and if you haven't picked it up yet, get in the whip with somebody who has. The whole disc is nice.

Well...95% of it is nice. Tip reached on a couple songs (I'm Talkin To You & Stand Up Guy) but he needed some abstract tracks to keep the CD balanced I guess. I'm hearing the word classic tossed around but we'll have to wait and see on that.

Here's a quick rundown of the disc in a nutshell....

Tip begins the CD with "King Back" a thunderous track expressing his street cred' and lyrical bravado. Then he jumps into "Front/Back" with UGK, as he uses the old Front-Back-Side-to-Side sample...how can he lose with that sample right?

Your boy Jamie Foxx drops in on "Live In The Sky"a song that kind of puts you in the mindset of "Still Aint Forgave Myself". The creative production continues on with "Why You Wanna" as he uses the old Crystal Waters house sample (lada-di-da-di-da), I see this being one of the next couple singles released without a doubt.

My personal favorite is "I'm Straight"w/Jeezy and B.G. I'm doing some serious riding to this right about now. Then you have "Undertaker", "You Know Who", "Top Back", "Get It" produced by Swizzy and "Bankhead" which all do the trick to make this a must-buy disc, one of the first from the mainstream "A" in a minute.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (125)

Now that the toy cops have finished spraying haterade throughout the city concerning the movie ATL, maybe now we can finally focus on one of the most anticipated flicks to premiere in a minute.

First, let's not get caught up in the whole T.I and Big Boi factor, because lost in the shuffle are some pretty big names associated with the movie like Antwone Fisher (writer), Will Smith and Dallas Austin (Producers), and Chris Robinson (Director). These are some heavy hitter's for real.

I got a chance over the weekend to get to some of the spots throughout the city where the movie was filmed and the buzz is already crazy. Everybody's eager to see how Atlanta will be represented. I did run into Bonecrusher, who plays security in the film, and we got a chance to politic about the movie for a minute.

Lately I've heard the movie being compared to Boyz N' Tha Hood from a cultural standpoint because of the theme that it emphasizes (showing the progression of four youths growing up in a troubled hood), but I don't know. Even though the themes may be similar, I predict the impact won't be as strong. "Boyz" is a cemented classic wile the jury is still out on "ATL". But, you never know.

I'll be checking it out tomorrow, so look forward to my honest take on it.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (398)

Did anybody catch the "secret" warning letter sent out to several local theaters by the Head of Security at Perimeter Mall? In his letter he expresses his concern at the "probability of serious violence" breaking out at area theaters when ATL opens next week.

Nobody knows why he circulated the letter, but it's become the topic of discussion nonetheless. Especially since the overall theme of the movie is centered around following your goals and dreams, and not narcotics as the letter suggested.

The movie's director Chris Robinson commented that he can't even understand it himself.

But I do. We need to quit sugercoatin' everything. It was a racist act. But the thing about it is, letter or no letter this is what many people are thinking anyway and security would've been deep regardless. He was just the pawn who put it out there.

SOHH I ask, "Will this movie make the kids start shooting?"

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (110)

My Ghetto Report Card (Sick Wid It Records/BME Recordings/Warner Bros. Records), by platinum-selling E-40 debut at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts (#3 on Billboard Top 200 Chart). Real talk.

The Hyphy movement is in serious effect right now thanks to some tight production and ingenious marketing by 40's team. I mean why not blaze the hottest city in the game's streets by hopping on numerous collabo's and then marketing on arguably the largest networking website going. The results have reflected in his album sales.

The video for the first single “Tell Me When To Go,” features Keak ‘Da Sneak, and was shot by Lil’ Jon and Director, Bernard Gourley.

What is hyphy: “It’s a movement. It's a culture. It's the way we talk. It's superflambosta. It's really just stunting to the up-most degree. It's showboating and showcasing. It's wardrobe. It's however you feeling. It's energy. It's a dance, several different phases of it, you dig? It's cars. It's showing off. It's whatever. It's Hyphy” – says E-40.

Big ups 40.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (394)

T.I and longtime girlfriend Tiny, formerly from Xscape, have decided to go separate ways. He recently discussed the situation in a recent interview with BET.COM so it is confirmed.

I hope it all works out for ya' boy, the only thing I'm really interested in right now is the release of his new album KING, which will drop on Tuesday.

Also, did anybody make it out to Gucci Mane's video shoot in Buckhead last night. If so, let me know if Buffie The Body was in the building? If I missed that, dammit man'. I think they shot the video for Go 'Head too so you know the ladies packed it out.

And finally, did anyboy catch B.G on Rap City he's soundin' like he's ready to bounce back strong. We'll see, the game only allows for so many slip-ups before it swallows you up whole. We wish him the best though. I hope he takes a page out of Juve's handbook and puts more diversity in his work, with different production etc... Show me more B.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (96)

I just got finished listening to Christina Milian's new track "Say I" featuring Young Jeezy.

On the hook, lil' Christina holla's "I'm a keep it gangsta, I'm a make it hot..." but I'm like who you trying to fool? Since when did she even become remotely associated with being gangster?

Didn't she just break up with Nick Cannon? Yeah he's a real gangster.

Just because you put Macon, GA's most notorious gangster on your pop track doesn't give you a pass. So just cool out and be your suburbian self. We'll respect it.

Some of these artists (singers and rappers) kill me with all the gangster references. I know she's using the word figuratively but it doesn't fit her to be gangster. Therefore, that one line kills the entire song for me because it screams that she's fakin' now.

But don't get me wrong she is sexy though, I can't even debate that one. I think if she just sticks to being true to her game as pretty lil' Christina she'll be better off. And to Jeezy, I ain't mad at you get that "pop" money but remember this name, Loom!

Posted by SOHH Southern at 4:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (100)

It's almost here,ATL the movie, premieres on March 31st after being pushed back, so we'll finally get a chance to see what all the fuss has been about. Plus, everybody wants to find out if T.I and Big Boi can make the "big screen" transition that Luda and Andre 3000 made.

The movie was shot throughout the city from the West-End to Decatur, so at least visually, outsiders should get a true depiction of life in Atlanta. Everything aint always a party...I know for a fact they did hit up Eddie's and the Cascade skating rink, as well as some other major spots during filming.

Here's a synopsis of the movie as explained on the official website:
"A story of four teens coming of age in a working class Atlanta neighborhood where hip-hop music and roller skating rule. As the group prepares for life after high school, challenges on and off the rink bring about turning points in each of their lives. The film is loosely based on Dallas Austin and Tionne Watkins’ experiences growing up in Atlanta."

You know me, I do have a couple of observations after reading that summary.

First, the statement "The film is loosely based on Dallas Austin and Tionne Watkins’ experiences growing up in Atlanta" has me confused somewhat because I thought T-Boz was from Des Moines, Iowa?

Second, wasn't Drumline supposed to be loosely based on Dallas Austin's life as well? Maybe this movie is pre-marching band days? What's the deallll?

And finally, after this film enough with the skating flicks already.

I hope the movie proves to be a coming-out party for Big Boi who get's minimal respect for the moves he's made in Atlanta. I mean Speakerboxx, "Reset" is a hood classic. Get ya' shine on Big.

Check out the ATL trailer

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (185)

Longevity. Lyricism. Versatility. You can associate all of this with Dilated Peoples.

The group will be in concert on Tuesday, March 21st at The Roxy. I love it - it just shows that we in Atlanta love hip-hop as a whole, and we'll give it up to all cats when deserved.

The latest Dilated Peoples album, "20/20" has been doing average numbers since it dropped as far as sales are concerned. However, the album is thorough.

They did a joint with Kanye on the last disc and that's the song most people now associate with Dialated Peoples. But they have several tracks in their catalog that real heads recognize. If you want to see hip hop versatility at it's finest, then go peep this show out.

Also Yung Joc, Da Backwoodz, and DTP all shot new videos in the A last week so look for them to premiere soon.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)

Where is Stat Quo? Has anybody seen Stat? How long do we have to wait for the album to drop?

Is he being mishandled out west, if so come back to the dirty and I'm sure Jon, Jazzy or JD will put you on in a minute.

Once regarded as the next in line to take this Atlanta thang to the next level it seems like Stat is still being relegated to mixtape duty. Like T.I said 'Bring Em Out' already.

I respect Stat's flow because he's one of the few who is able to touch and get respect from every coast with his skills, everybody can't say that.

I hope he hasn't been pushed down the batting order by the rest of the G-Unit heavy hitters (and some not so heavy-hitters). His time is now. But like I said he does have a bunch of mixtapes out and your boy owns probably all of 'em.

Wait what is that I hear?... Oh more A.P.B.'s have been issued to Lil Scrappy, Crime Mob, Goodie Mob, S.u.n.N.Y, Sleepy Brown, Pastor Troy, BoHagen, Lil Boosie, Field Mob (album pushed back or what?) Plenty mo' but we'll leave it there.

We need ALBUMS, singles and mixtapes are cool but we need ALBUMS folk'...and hurry up y'all making my job hard.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (91)

It's deeper than skin/It's the system that's keepin us in -- Dead Prez

Young Jeezy? Here we go again, another artist...another case. Is it that hard to separate the biznezz from the streetz?

These are smart men getting caught up on the same type of BS. It's been some rough years in ATL alone, from TI, Jeezy, Gucci, Don P, even back to Chi Ali's mugshot plastered all on AMW.

In Jeezy's case, I mean we're talking about a six-figure businessman, a man who can market and sell thousands of T-Shirts with cheap snowmen logo's on 'em. Forget the music end of it but we've got smart men still getting caught up doing dumb shit. What gives?

So, here's a few excerpts from my "How To Keep An Emcee Out Of The Holding Cell" self-help guide. Feel free to add on...

1. Don't parlay in other nicca's cities, most of them don't really like you they just say they do. Just the facts...
2. The company you keep could end up being the "felony case you beat". Meaning, stick wit' ya folk, don't just f&*k with anybody.
3. Stick to the music and leave the gangster shit to the certified gangsters. (Note: Real gangster don't rock pink (Cam), )

* Also never lie about your age as an artist, the truth will always come out (See last paragraph of the story)

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (101)

It looks like Big Cat Records is set to make major waves throughout Atlanta and the south this year. After suffering several unforseen setbacks last year the future is looking extremely good for the upstart independent label.

The label's most visible artist, Gucci Mane is already in the works on his second album, the follow-up to Trap House , an independent banger in the streets of Atlanta without much promotion due to his incarceration.

When Gucci was initially released he hinted at re-releasing Trap House but as of late I'm hearing that he's starting to focus on his sophmore release much more. This is a good look because I'm sure he's grown as an artist and we're eager to hear what he's sittin' on. I predict a major year for Gucci Mane, he was slept-on in 2005 but it's his time now.

Big Cat's biggest move of the year however, has been last month's signing of Rasheeda, the "Georgia Peach". She's able to provide a veteran female presence to a thorough roster that already includes Maceo, Gucci, and Young Snead.

They have also signed reggae vet Buju Banton. Real heads might remember him from his classics "Boom Boom Bye Bye" and "Murderer".

Also, Gucci repped the Dec last night at Club Chocolate in preparation for the release of "Go 'Head" which has been bangin' for a minute now.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (222)

Say what you will but D-Roc from the Ying Yang Twinz and his two brothers, Mr. Ball and Da Birthday Boy, The Muzicianz, have the hottest radio and club joint in the city right now with "Camera Phone."

No snap, no crunk just vintage Ying Yang sound. That means it's strictly a club banger, reminiscent of "Salt Shaker" and "Wait". No dope selling or beefing, just partying through the whole album is what I hear.

They have a cut with Fabo from D4L called "Girlz I Know" and "Go Dumb" that are the truth too. Believe me, with their affiliations to boot, and having signed with TVT Records, Da Muzicianz will probably prove to be more than a gimmick.

They're expected to drop the album in a couple of months and will actually be shooting the video for "Camera Phone" at the end of the month here in Atlanta. Personally, I can't wait until Spring Bling or the video shoot so we can find out if the females actually buy into Shaking Somethin' for the "Camera Phone"?

You have to admit, Mr. Collipark and the rest of the fam know how to tap into what the public wants to hear. They stay true to their roots and don't change, and with that philosophy longevity is certain.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (60)

Incase you haven''t picked up that new Juvenile CD Reality Check, here's a word of advice...cop it. It's probably his best CD since he dropped 400 Degreez which sold nearly 5 mill. That's not saying much but this new CD is on point.

His cut "Loose Booty" with 8Ball and Skip is beastin, as is "The Way I Be Leanin" with Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and Skip and Wacko. Chris Bridges even steps in and collab's with Fat Joe on "Pop U".

Real talk, the CD is fire.

Juve claims to have followed the Dr. Dre formula (easier said than done) on "Reality Check" by incorporating other artists into this project. This is Juvenile's seventh album, his first with Atlantic Records and first since leaving Cash Money Records.

"I'm not concerned with what happened with Cash Money," he says. "Now, it's all about Juvenile and UTP."

Juve' solicits Mannie Fresh, Scott Storch, Jazzy Pha, JD and Lil Jon to handle much of the production. Ludacris, 8Ball, Paul Wall, R. Kelly, Mike Jones, Busta Rhymes, and Fat Joe all drop verses on the album.

“I tried to follow The Chronic’s formula,” Juvenile explains. “I like the way Dre put everybody together, as a producer. This album isn’t just based on me, it’s also based on everybody around me. This is my best album because I’m doing things I never would have done before. I’m making beats and engineering. I’m doing everything.”

Check out Juve' Sounding Off On The Hurricane Katrina situation:

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (144)

Not one to comment on the unconfirmed but I'm hearing rumors everywhere about your girl Jacki-O being picked up for shoplifting out of Neiman Marcus over the weekend. Say it ain't so Ms. O'.

I remember it being common for females to get their lift on back in high school but a grown woman, let alone a celeb? Did she ever stop to think that she might be under a microscope just because of who she is? Not saying she's real "famous" but she is somewahat recognizable. You know, the make-up and big azz, we know you now shawty!!

But I dare anybody to run up and call her a thief to her face or you might end up like Foxy did! She still gets mad ATL, Duval, and Dade love regardless.

In other po-po news...My man Bobby Brown is the real life "Can't Get Right". The Boston police ran a check on him and arrested him for a 14-year old charge (basically a ticket). What happened to the statute of limitations...I mean damn? I know he's got to be wondering when will it end?

Speaking of Bobby, he and Damien Marley recently released the video "Beautiful" and the song is rising up Billboard so the other self-proclaimed "King" in Atlanta might just be on his way back if he can stay out the courtroom?

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)

This past weekend over a legal session of Patron and cuban cigars, fam had a borderline meaningless discussion on which hip hop show in Atlanta is better from 6-10 PM.

(This was of course sandwiched in between the "how Hoopz can get it" and "Lebron vs. Kobe" discussions)

But on one hand you have the legendary Greg Street and on the other you have the The Dirty Boys, the new cats from St. Louis consisting of J.Nicks from BET fame and ET? I think that's cuzzo's name? They do their thing. Are they on Greg Street's level? Some say they're pressin Greg Street for the streetfame?

I'd like to see them both go hard on the wheels for about 30 minutes straight. No talkin', let's see if you're a real DJ or just an on-air personality. So... if you had no CD's to listen to which show would you ride out to? Minus the commercials and other inuendo, which show is the best?

I might even tally the votes on this one and mail it to the loser so they can step up their DJ game. But on the up and up both shows do their thing to keep us in touch.

PS. The lil' intern Tra' from the Dirty Boy show can get it like Hoopz...that's my word get at me.

Southern said it!

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (255)

I tried to prepare the critics far in advance for this one. The south is in the building! Three-Six Mafia is heading back to Memphis with an Oscar for "Hard Out Here For A Pimp" from the Hustle and Flow soundtrack.

Three-Six preluded their Oscar acceptance with a performance highlighted by the smooth vocals of Taraji B. Henson, who by the way makes the song in my opinion. Think about it, the only part anybody knows on the song is her hook. I've never heard anybody repeat 3-6's verses have you?

The host put it best when he said "I think it just got easier out here for a pimp"...well said. Big ups to DJ Paul, Juicy and Frayser Boy. Oh yeah, Crunch too.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (212)

Atlanta super-producer K-Rab who some credit with being the driving force behind "snap" music, has been signed to a deal with Lil Jon's BME/Warner Bros. Records, who will promote and distribute all of K-Rab's music as well as the debut album from K-Rab's group BHI (Born Hustlers, Inc.).

K-Rab has been credited with work on D4L's project and several others, and most notably his infamous single "Do The Poole Palace".

The question is? If snap music (Reasons & Fruity Loops music is what I call it) has gained this much attention mainly under independent status with no distribution deals other than Franchise, Lil Jon and D4L... then imagine how big things are about to be now after the world hears what we hear on a daily basis through mixtapes and airplay.

Even though I've gotten used to the so-called "snap" music craze, I'm hoping that artists inject different styles into it to keep things fresh. Those of us here know that "snap" is just one type of music being produced in the streets of the "A". The creativity of the city will never allow for one style to endure for a long period of time (ex. Shy-D (early 90's), Goodie (late 90's), Crunk etc)

So those not in favor of the snap movement have to just wait it out a couple more years and we'll be on something new. Trust me.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (139)

Three 6 Mafia might pull down an Oscar for "It's Hard Out Here" on that azz, who woulda thunk it? Believe it. Big props have to go out for the nomination. Personally, "It's Hard Out Here" is cool but "Whoop That Trick" was the lick off the Hustle and Flow soundtrack.

I have to admit, it took me a long time to even consider listening to these cats back in the day because I couldn't get past the Triple Six logo...still can't really. Does anybody know what that's all about anyway? Fill me in if you do.

But musically, it doesn't get any bigger than the Oscar's, especially now that the Grammys are basically as bogus of an award show as they come.

Speaking of the Grammy's did anybody take notice of how JD was snubbed a couple weeks ago? How many hits do you have to produce or be involved with to get a trinket...I mean damn. He's the Rodney Dangerfield of the game straight-up.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (523)

From the ATL rumor mill we hear that Usher was real close to putting a beatdown on Atlanta photographer Sandra Rose over the weekend. Instead he settled for just mushing the chic in the face.

I guess some of that Ike Turner Tennessee Smack-A-Bitch-Around syndrome actually rubbed off on lil' Usher.

Why was pimpin so mad? First the photographer tried to get some shots of Usher with an industry professional and Usher didn't approve. Some reports also have Usher walking up into the spot arm and arm with his married stylist and when Ms. Rose tried to get some snapshots, Usher took offense by pushing the camera and then mushing ol' girl in the nose. Neither has been confirmed.

Usher's publicist denied the reports by issuing this statement, "This story is exaggerated. Usher simply asked the photographer not to take his photo. However, she made several attempts to bypass his security to snap his photo against his will. He never put his fingers in her face and was not in close contact with the photographer."

Can anybody say million-dollar lawsuit? Damn, I think I'm on the wrong side of the profession, I need to be ghetto paparazzi too. Hell yeah, he can mush me in the grill for a million...I'm wit' it.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (90)