T.I.
Photo: Moses Robinson/ Getty Images

T.I. is still keeping an eye on things while serving his year-and-a-day prison sentence for felony weapons charges. On Wednesday, Ludacris tweeted that he spoke to his fellow Atlanta heavyweight.

Luda's messages reveal that Tip is keeping up on current events and feels for his peers Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie, who both have to go to prison at the top of their careers, much like Tip has had to do.

"Talking to TIP," Luda tweeted. "He says to tell Wayne and Boosie he Hates the situations y'all are in, but he's ridin' with the both of you."

'Cris added that Tip had a message for the kids in the Windy City in the wake of the Derrion Albert murder: "TIP also says to all my Chicago peoples, cut out all that damn nonsense!!! Sh-- has got to STOP!!!!!! I 2nd that!!!"

The 16-year-old Albert was killed in the streets of Chicago several weeks ago while trying to break up a fight. The tragedy was captured on cell phone video and posted on the Internet, horrifying viewers. The Reverend Jesse Jackson and Nation of Islam minister Louis Farrakhan both attended Albert's funeral earlier this month.

Tip had a chance to speak out publicly through fiancée Tameka "Tiny" Cottle during the recent BET Hip-Hop Awards. The King of the South reassured fans he would be home soon. Tip also won Best Hip-Hop Collabo and Best Hip-Hop Video for "Live Your Life" with Rihanna and CD of the Year for Paper Trail.

• MTV News RAW: T.I.

• T.I.
• Ludacris
• Lil Wayne

Ludacris and Diddy at Young Jeezy's birthday party in Atlanta on Saturday
Photo: MTV News

ATLANTA — The BET Hip-Hop Awards ended Saturday night, but the afterparties in Atlanta lasted well into Monday morning. Diddy and his girls in Dirty Money had been doing radio promo and headlining clubs all weekend long, and the trio ended their Hotlanta excursion at one of the most popular night spots in town, the Velvet Room.

But it wasn't just a Bad Boy affair — Ludacris also brought his Disturbing Tha Peace family to make for a unified front of hip-hop stars.

DJ Infamous hyped the crowd from his booth and with the two platinum factions overlooking most of the club, revelers from their VIP section (other stars such as Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Lyfe Jennings and Jazze Pha also had spots in VIP), Infamous dropped the needle on some classics.

First came "It's All About the Benjamins." "What y'all wanna do?" The recorded vocals roared through the club. Diddy then got on the mic and told Inf to bring the record back. The mogul then started rapping over the record.

"What y'all wanna do?/ Wanna be ballers, shot-callers ... "

After Puff's timeless verse, Inf threw on another signature Diddy song, "Mo Money, Mo Problems," and the Bad Boy boss rapped over that record as well.

Shawty Lo, who was standing with Diddy and Luda, also got his shine. First came "Dun Dun" and then "Dey Know," with 'Cris adding his rhymes from the remix.

Luda kept control of the mic as Infamous put on the beat from his new record "How Low Can You Go," a track from Luda's upcoming joint LP with Shawnna, Battle of the Sexes.

Dirty Money took the spotlight next, as Diddy and his girls did "Angels" and "Love Come Down."

The mic moved to Red Café as he came in with "Hottest in the Hood," then Playaz Circle followed with a medley of records highlighted by "Duffle Bag Boy."

That's hip-hop: no stage, no prior planning, just on-the-spot performing.

• Soulja Boy, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg And More At The 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards

• Diddy
• Ludacris

Ludacris at his Stars for Cars car giveaway in Atlanta on Sunday
Photo: Moses Robinson/ WireImage

Ludacris has donated 20 cars to people in need of rides. After fans shared with the rapper their struggles to keep or get jobs without the advantage of automobiles, the rapper decided he'd help out by having an essay contest, reports "Access Hollywood."

For his Stars for Cars giveaway, Luda read thousands of essays about contestants' inability to afford cars to commute to their jobs, and on Sunday, he partnered with an Atlanta car dealership to help out some of those fans. Twenty winners were chosen from the approximately 4,000 people who submitted their 300-word essays to the Ludacris Foundation explaining why they needed a car.

"People are getting laid off, and now are looking for jobs," the 31-year-old rapper said. "To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That's why I wanted to give back to those who need it."

In addition to the cars, they also got free gas for 30 days. The contest winners were, however, responsible for tags, registration, tax and insurance.

There was one contestant's story that particularly stood out for Ludacris. "His story touched my heart," Ludacris said about Mading Duor, a man who moved to the U.S. after his family was killed in Sudan only to have his son killed here by a drunk driver. "He's endured so much in his life and he's still here standing. I'm very proud to have helped him."

Duor works at a school and explained that with his new car, he no longer has to worry about how he'll get there every day. "I'm so happy that I'm nervous," Duor, who won a Nissan Maxima, said. "When I look at my new car, I say to myself, 'Is this really happening?' "

• Ludacris

Eminem
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

It's the label that brought acts like LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Slick Rick, Jay-Z and Ludacris to the world, and now, 25 years after it launched in a New York University dorm room, Def Jam Records continues to lead the way, boasting a roster that includes the likes of Kanye West and Rihanna.

And on October 13, a host of elite artists — including Eminem, Rick Ross, Mary J. Blige, Young Jeezy, Ludacris and Fabolous — will celebrate Def Jam's 25th anniversary with performances at VH1's "Hip Hop Honors 2009" show. But they're not the only ones lining up to pay their respects. DMX, Method Man and Redman, the Roots, Kid Rock, Trey Songz, Ja Rule, Onyx, Warren G and Public Enemy are also scheduled to perform at the sixth-annual Honors, which will be taped at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Howard Gilman Opera House and premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT on October 13 on VH1. "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan will once again serve as host for the evening. Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon and Brett Ratner will be on hand as presenters.

Fans can go to HipHop.VH1.com now to comment on this year's lineup and to weigh in on what they'd like to hear at the show. Additionally, on Monday, September 14, VH1 will launch the full show site at HipHop.VH1.com with artist profiles, exclusive online programming, show information and more. Additional VH1.com and VH1 Mobile efforts for "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors" will be announced in the coming weeks.

• Eminem
• Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)
• Mary J. Blige
• Young Jeezy
• Ludacris

Michael Jackson
Photo: Dave Hogan/ Getty Images

In the wake of the tragic news of legendary pop star Michael Jackson's death Thursday (June 25), musicians, actors and celebrities have taken to Twitter with their tributes.

Miley Cyrus said, "Michael Jackson was my inspiration. Love and blessings." John Mayer posted, "Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player."

"If it were not for Michael Jackson I would not be where or who I am today," Ludacris wrote on his Twitter page. "His Music and Legacy will live on Forever. Prayers to the fam. R.I.P."

Shanna Moakler wrote, "The hard thing about getting older is watching all those who inspired you pass, love to the Jackson family." Heidi Montag wrote, "The world has suffered a GREAT loss today. Michael Jackson my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans. God bless God rest his soul he will live on forever! Life is so short enjoy every second God gives you!" Aubrey O'Day, responding to the loss of both Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, wrote, "Praying for the souls of all these amazing talents. The world has lost icons today."

Pete Wentz, who covered "Beat It" with Fall Out Boy, said, "I have never felt this before in my life. I could measure my childhood 2 now on an MJ growth chart. If this is true. Rip. The last legend." Solange Knowles posted, "Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert. I was only two years old. I fell in love."

Other celebrities like Lindsay Lohan wrote, "NO OMG ... sending my love and prayers out to Michael and his family ... I feel sick." And Kim Kardashian wrote, "Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family!"

MTV will be paying tribute to MJ throughout the weekend with music videos, exclusive performances and calls and tweets from celebrity admirers and friends. For everything we've got on the life, career and passing of the legendary entertainer, visit "Michael Jackson Remembered."

Share your Michael Jackson memories by uploading video and comments to Your.MTV.com or joining the discussion below.

• Remembering Michael Jackson
• Michael Jackson's Video Legacy
• A Celebration Of Michael Jackson On MTV

• Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
• Fans Mourn The Loss Of Music Icon Michael Jackson

• Michael Jackson
• Miley Cyrus
• Ludacris

T.I., Lil Scrappy and Ludacris
Photo: MTV News

On Sunday night at Atlanta's Philips Arena, Ludacris announced that Lil Scrappy has joined his Disturbing Tha Peace label. And Scrappy won't be alone; he'll be bringing his own artists.

Jeff Dixon, co-CEO of DTP, said he and his family hope to make Scrappy into the next Luda — meaning he'll be successful artistically and business-wise.

"We're just excited to sign him because he's been in the game for a long time and he never got the shot he needed to get," Dixon said. "He has exciting music. ... He brings another dynamic to our label. We're adding another dimension."

Dixon told us Scrappy's next album, on which Ludacris will serve as a co-executive producer, should be out sometime in September. This summer, Scrappy could be featured on a probable DTP tour. Until then, Scrap will be dropping mixtapes, appearing on albums from Luda and DTP labelmate Willy Northpole and shooting a film.

On Sunday night, Ludacris and T.I. were special guests at Young Jeezy's show. Shortly after being introduced to the crowd, 'Cris brought out Scrappy and revealed to the crowd that his newest signee's deal had been inked a week before. Scrappy performed his own mini-set as well.

The last time Scrappy dropped a album was in late 2007, when he released his Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live under Lil Jon's imprint. That project was originally announced as a joint venture between Jon and 50 Cent's G-Unit but was delayed a few times and never really took off despite a club hit, "Money in the Bank." Scrappy was introduced to the world in 2004 with the King of Crunk & the BME Recordings Present Lil' Scrappy. That project was shared with Jon's other group at the time, Trillville.

• Lil Scrappy
• Ludacris

Ludacris, Young Jeezy and T.I.
Photo: ozonemag.com

The current kings of Atlanta, T.I., Young Jeezy and Ludacris, all gathered together on stage for the first time on Sunday at Philips Arena.

Young Jeezy headlined the No1 in the South Got Swagga Like Us concert and surprised the house when he brought out his onetime rivals to join him.

Tip and Luda have long put their feud behind them and collaborated on each other's most recent albums. But beyond one club performance in the past, the rappers haven't appeared much onstage together — but the Snowman changed all of that.

Luda tipped off fans to the momentous occasion beforehand through his Twitter feed, teasing, "Big show in Atlanta today at Philips Arena! If you don't have your tix you're about to miss out! Surprises galore."

Later, he joined T.I. onstage for "On Top of the World," their song from Tip's album.

Though the pair's previous feelings for each other were well documented, Luda downplayed talk of an actual beef.

"It was never what you would consider 'beef,' " Luda told MTV News in September after the pair buried the hatchet. "Beef to me is when you talking about somebody's family and they wanna punch the sh-- out of your ass. Between me and him, it's the original root of hip-hop. Little lines on wax. He and my manager had a disagreement that led to some stuff, but that was between two grown men, of course. Even that ... that sh-- lasted all of 30 seconds. It wasn't what people made it out to be. ... We would see each other all the time in Atlanta. It was really our lives, your entertainment."

Shortly after Tip and Luda's first record hit the streets last summer, the Disturbing Tha Peace boss joked there was no bigger moment in hip-hop than the former foes spitting on the same track. Prior to them swapping records for their latest albums, the only other time they appeared on a song together was the street version of Young Buck's "Stomp," where they took lyrical swipes at each other. But those times are long gone and A-town cheered on the unity in the building.

The trio of Jeezy, Luda and Tip basked in the crowd adoration and Luda then introduced the audience to the newest member of his DTP crew, former BME affiliate Lil Scrappy.

"Just got off stage at Philips Arena in ATL," Luda Tweeted after the show. "If you missed it, myself, T.I., and Jeezy all on stage together for the first time. Lil Scrappy is DTP!"

Also billed as part of the show were Rick Ross and Shawty Lo.

• T.I. and Ludacris Join Young Jeezy Onstage 04.05.2009, Atlanta, GA

• T.I.
• Young Jeezy
• Ludacris

Young Jeezy
Photo: MTV News

Young Jeezy introducing his new Corporate Thugz Entertainment crew? Check. T.I. embracing the next wave of ATL artists? Check. The re-emergence of Atlanta's next superstar Gucci Mane? Check!

We brought it all to you right here on MTVNews.com's Atlanta Week. In case you missed anything, we look back at our week in the Dirty South:

Monday
» Young Jeezy unveils the newest members of his CTE crew — Boo, Bama and Screwww — in Mixtape Monday.

» Atlanta record-spinner DJ Infamous details his road to fame.

Tuesday
» Shawty Lo is back for the re-up. The Bankhead hustler offers a sneak peek of his upcoming album, I Am Carlos, with tracks featuring Mya, Rick Ross, Bun B, T-Pain and more.

» T.I. chimes in on up-and-coming artists, including Yung L.A. and B.o.B.

» It's been five years since R&B sensation Usher released the classic album Confessions. Check out what Hip-Hop Editor Shaheem Reid has to say about the anniversary.

Wednesday
» Gucci Mane takes control of the streets. Fresh out of an Atlanta detention center, the trap star talks about his new mixtape.

» Keeping it A-Town, Ludacris talks about his Battle of the Sexes album with Shawnna.

Thursday
» Shawty Lo takes us on a tour of his Bankhead stomping grounds, including a visit to the soon-to-be-torn-down Bowen Homes projects.

» On the other side of town B.o.B — er, Bobby Ray — chops it up with us about his new sound, new band and new musical direction.

» The Atlanta Hawks check in to give us their favorite hip-hop artists and Atlanta hot spots.

» Producer Shawty Redd provides us with his top five Atlanta beats.

Friday
» Do the names Dem Franchise Boyz, the Shop Boyz and Shawty Lo ring a bell? If so, DJ T-Roc is responsible for breaking their records. The Roc Harder mogul breaks down the mechanics behind Atlanta's next big things, from artists to dances.

» Outkast rapper Big Boi shares his memories of Atlanta, including where he first met partner Andre 3000.

• It's Atlanta Week!

• DJ Infamous Celebrates His 4 Year Anniversary With Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Young J

• Gucci Mane
• B.o.B
• Ludacris
• Young Jeezy
• T.I.

DJ Drama
Photo: MTV News

ATLANTA — No stress from anybody trying to sue over his name. No cops shutting down his studio. DJ Drama said making his new album, Gangsta Grillz: The Album II, was way more peaceful than the first time around.

"This one got put together a lot more faster," Dram said, sitting in his brand-new home. "We didn't have to worry about anybody knocking the door down. That was a plus. But we learned a lot from the first album, and we banged it out song-wise. It ain't rocket science. It's quality music. What I'm known for."

ATL's biggest DJ said for part two in his album series, he kept around team members like T.I. and his artists La Da Darkman and Willie the Kid but focused on wrangling some new MCs.

	It's Atlanta Week on MTVNews.com! Stay locked here for all we have to offer from the city's heavyweights.
	»Young Jeezy Boosts His Homies: Mixtape Monday
	»DJ Infamous Is Taking Over Atlanta
	»T.I. Says It's A 'Great Pleasure' To Help New Atlanta Artists
	»Shawty Lo Sets Up Shop In ATL For New LP
	»Ludacris On 'Battle Of The Sexes' Album
	»Gucci Mane: Atlanta's Next Mainstream Star?
	»Shawty Lo Recalls Fast-Paced Youth
	»Atlanta's B.o.B Seeks 'The New Thing' In His Music
	»Young Jeezy, T.I. Among Atlanta Hawks' ATL Favorites

"That was one of the most exciting things for me, was working with the people I didn't get a chance to work with on the last album," the Philly native said. "Ludacris is on this album. He's home team, he's Atlanta, so it's only right for him to be on the Gangsta Grillz album — if not the first one, then the second one. Scarface is on this album. He's somebody I really wanted on the first album. Nas is on this album. To work with him in itself is special. Busta [Rhymes] is on this album. As big as the original version of 'Cannon' was, it didn't make my first album. I got The-Dream, Fabolous, Gucci Mane is on, like, three times doing what he does. He wasn't on the last album, so I told him to go into overdrive for this album.

"One of the things about this album was to bring a different flavor. Show my fanbase something different," Dram added.

Gangsta Grillz II's first single is "Day Dreaming," featuring Akon, Tip and Snoop Dogg. We'll get a couple of more songs before the LP drops May 19.

"I got two records I'm pushing out," Drama explained. "I got this Dream record with La and Too Short on it [called 'Tipper Love'] that's gonna smash the club and the radio. Dream is on fire right now. I had to go get the O.G. Too Short for this. La is doing his thing in the streets, so that's gonna smash.

"Then I got this one that's ridiculous with Gucci, OJ Da Juiceman and Lonnie Mack that's produced by Zaytoven," he said of "Ridiculous," which also features Yo Gotti. "That's gonna tear the streets up. So I'm gonna do a double drop and hit 'em in the head two times."

Drumma Boy, DJ Khalil, Lil' C and Tricky Stewart are among the producers. Drama is hitting the road to promote his LP and told us he loves that his release date is packed with so many other LPs, such as Fat Joe's Jealous Ones Still Envy 2, Busta Rhymes' Back on My B.S. and Eminem's Relapse.

"Hey, they'll be in the stores, let's do it," he said. "Me and Bus was talking about that the other day. Eminem is the homie. I work for him over at Shade 45 [Radio]. Him and [Em's manager] Paul [Rosenberg] have always shown me a lot of love. I'm glad he's back in the game. I'm used to coming out on legendary days. Last time I came out with Scarface and Ghostface. I'm excited."

As always, expect Drama to continue with his Gangsta Grillz mixtapes as well. The next one is top-secret for now, but he did say that it is with an artist the fans have been asking him to make a tape with.

• It's Atlanta Week!

• DJ Drama
• Ludacris
• Nas
• T.I.
• Scarface

Young Jeezy
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks have definitely been one of hip-hop's favorite teams ever since the days when #21, Dominique Wilkins, was smashing the competition alongside Spud Webb with his patented Tomahawk Dunk. Everyone loved when 'Nique battled it out with Michael Jordan for the slam-dunk titles. To this day, some people say "The Human Highlight Film" was robbed in Chicago in 1988 when his Airness was crowned the champ — but that's a debate for another day.

Today, the young Atlanta Hawks players are making 'Nique proud, becoming playoff contenders. In June, around the time of the Birthday Bash, the city's biggest hip-hop concert of the year, the Hawks were giving the Boston Celtics hell in their first-round matchup. You could hear DJs like Greg Street shouting out the hometown team on the radio airwaves and rooting them on. All-Star Josh Smith and his gang set A-Town on fire and are looking forward to going even further in this year's playoffs.

As Atlanta Week on MTVNews.com nears a close, there's no way it would be complete without the ballers repping just like all the town's artists. Here, the Hawks let everyone know some of their favorite rap acts and songs, as well as their own personal go-to spots.

	It's Atlanta Week on MTVNews.com! Stay locked here for all we have to offer from the city's heavyweights.
	»Young Jeezy Boosts His Homies: Mixtape Monday
	»DJ Infamous Is Taking Over Atlanta
	»T.I. Says It's A 'Great Pleasure' To Help New Atlanta Artists
	»Shawty Lo Sets Up Shop In ATL For New LP
	»Ludacris On 'Battle Of The Sexes' Album
	»Gucci Mane: Atlanta's Next Mainstream Star?
	»Shawty Lo Recalls Fast-Paced Youth
	»Atlanta's B.o.B Seeks 'The New Thing' In His Music
	»Young Jeezy, T.I. Among Atlanta Hawks' ATL Favorites

Josh Smith
Favorite Atlanta-based artists
» T.I.
» Ludacris
» Young Jeezy
» Young Dro
» Parlae

Favorite Atlanta restaurants
» Fletcher's
» Twist
» Strip
» Prime
» Benihana

Zaza Pachulia
Favorite Atlanta restaurants
» Twist
» Market at the W Hotel
» Pricci
» Aja
» Capital Grille

Favorite Atlanta clothing stores
» Armani
» Gucci
» Barneys New York
» Neiman Marcus
» Phipps Plaza

Marvin Williams
Favorite songs by Atlanta-based artists
» T.I. - "Live Your Life"
» Young Jeezy - "Get a Lot"
» Young Jeezy - "Gangsta Music"
» Ludacris - "One More Drink"
» Bobby Valentino - "Beep Beep"

Al Horford
Favorite Atlanta restaurants
» Dolce
» Cheesecake Factory
» Fellini's
» Quisqueya
» Rise

Mike Bibby
Favorite Atlanta restaurants
» Cheesecake Factory
» Morton's
» Ruth's Chris
» Maggiano's

• It's Atlanta Week!

• T.I.
• Young Jeezy
• Ludacris
• Young Dro

Soulja Boy, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg And More At The 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards

• Soulja Boy Tell'em
• Ludacris
• Snoop Dogg
• Goodie Mob
• OutKast

Luda, Fab, Eve And More Show Up For VH1's 'Hip Hop Honors'

• Ludacris
• Fabolous
• DMX
• KRS-One
• Gym Class Heroes

Lindsay, Ludacris, Hayden And Eva At The Armani Exchange Watches Launch

• Lindsay Lohan
• Ludacris

Ludacris, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Juelz Santana And More In The Dream's "Rockin' That Thing" Remix Video Shoot

• Fabolous
• Ludacris
• Juelz Santana
• Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)
• Dream

2009 Inauguration Week Events Celebrating Barack Obama

• Diddy
• Mary J. Blige
• Queen Latifah
• Wyclef Jean
• Ne-Yo

Kristen Bell, Katy Perry, Corbin Bleu, More At The 2009 Critics' Choice Awards Red Carpet

• Katy Perry
• Ludacris
• Common

Ludacris Celebrates Release Of 'Theater Of The Mind' In New York

• T-Pain
• Ludacris
• DJ Envy

Total Finale Live: Performances

• Beyoncé
• Fall Out Boy
• 50 Cent
• Snoop Dogg
• Ludacris

Total Finale Live: Rehearsals

• Fall Out Boy
• Snoop Dogg
• Ludacris
• Nelly

Chris Brown, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, More At 2008 BET Awards

• Rihanna
• Alicia Keys
• Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)
• Flo Rida
• DJ Khaled