Hip Hop Loves Obama

Diddy Speaks on His ENYCE Purchase

All Star Cast to Star in Adaptation of Iceberg Slim's "Mama Black Widow"

Mos Def, Rihanna, Macy Gray, Anthony Anderson and others have come together to star in the upcoming film adaption of late writer Iceberg Slim's classic, Mama Black Widow.

Set in the 1930s, the plot revolves around an African-American family's migration from the racially tense state of Mississippi to the ghetto-themed underworld of Chicago, Illinois. Focused on lead actor Brian J White's character, "Otis Tilson," the story emphasizes his difficulties in trying to keep his family together as they encounter alcoholism, prostitution, sexual deviation and racial injustice.

Directed by Darren Grant, the film will also star actresses Kerry Washington and Angela Bassett.

Rapper-turned-actor Ice-T will also be paying homage to the author by producing a documentary on Slim's rise from pimp to established novelist.

"Iceberg Slim has been one of the most influential people in black culture," Ice-T previously told New York Post. " Few people know the story behind the man and it's time that story is told."

No release dates have been announced on either production as of yet.

In related news, Uproar Entertainment will be re-releasing the Slim album Reflections originally produced in 1976 by David Drozen. The disc offers listeners a poignant and memorable look at Slim's true life experiences.

Reflections will hit stores on Tuesday, October 28.

Often quoted and referenced by a range of hip-hop artists including Ice Cube and Jay-Z, among countless others Slim published 8 known novels before passing away in April 1992.

COURTESY of SOHH

The Hip Hop View

Kim Osorio over at Global Grind recently premiered her own version of the Barbara Walters-helmed ABC talk show The View.

There seems to be range between the four women. You may remember Jenn The Penn from BET’s Ultimate Hustler, that Apprentice-like reality series Damon Dash had a few years back. I’m not sure what she does now, but her name seems to be circulating a lot.

You already know KO’s resume. First Editor In Chief of The Source, stint at BET.com and now Vice President of content at Global Grind. Angela Yee is responsible for 50% of World Star HipHop’s good footage in the last few months. She’s killing it these days. I see her eventually shooting to the top as a radio personality. Last but not least, Tionna Smalls. She’s the lesser known of the bunch, but by far the more outspoken.

The quartet discussed hip-hop couples like Jayonce (Jay and Beyonce) and Chrianna (Chris Brown and Rihanna) in the first episode. See it for yourself below.

Diddy Can't Stop, Won't Stop

Sean “Diddy” Combs has announced today that he’s bought out the popular streetwear clothing line ENYCE from Liz Claiborne Inc.

"Enyce is a brand that I have always admired, and they have been a very important player in the young men's sportswear arena for over a decade. I am really excited to bring it into our portfolio of brands that already includes Sean John and Zac Posen,” Diddy said in a release. “Given our track record of success in marketing products such as Ciroc Vodka, Unforgivable by Sean John, and all of our television titles, I look forward to adding our expertise to an already hot fashion line. Our long-term plan is to grow the Enyce brand through innovative marketing, expansion of the menswear and boy's lines, and launching into new licensing categories.”

The Sean John owner says that in spite of the current economic woes, he’s confident the purchase was a great investment. “The current economic climate may be challenging, but we believe it is also an opportunity, and we are really excited to add Enyce to our lineup.”