50 CENT ALBUM LEAKS

Album leaks have been a problem that has plagued the music industry since the internet became popular in the early 2000s. Before it was just tracks that leaked, these days, full albums make their way to the net before their release dates. 50 Cent became the latest victim. This week Before I Self Destruct hit the net. On Wednesday October 28, 50’s upcoming fourth studio album leaked almost a month before its planned November 23 release date. So far, 50 or Interscope has not commented on the situation. On the new album, 50 gets back to his hardcore gangsta rapping self, spitting tales of drug deals, murder, guns, and of course, does a little name dropping along the way. In one song, titled “So Disrespectful,” 50 goes at former comrades-turned-enemies, Young Buck and The Game. On the track, he calls Buck a drug addict and The Game jealous. Eminem shows up on a track titled “Psycho”, where the Detroit rapper and 50 trade verses about how crazy they both can be. Aside from Eminem, other collaborators include R. Kelly and Ne-Yo, while production includes Dr. Dre, Polow Da Don, and Tha Bizness. While the album is already on the net, the version being released through iTunes will include three bonus tracks, 50’s directorial debut “Before I Self Destruct,” and the Jam Master Jay documentary, “2 Turntables and a Mic: The Life and Death of Jam Master Jay.

By: Jeffrey Ellison

PHILLIES BEAT THE YANKEES IN GAME 1

The Phillies dominated the game from the start with great pitching from their ace Cliff Lee who is now 3-0 with a 0.54 earned run average in four postseason starts. He threw 122 pitches, and 80 for strikes. When the Phillies needed to score, they got two big home runs from their second baseman Chase Utley who hit one in third inning and one in the six inning off Sabathia. Who hadn’t allowed a home run to a left-handed hitter at the New Yankee Stadium all year. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been nervous playing this game,” Lee said. “I’ve already done the work - it’s game time, time to go out there and have fun and execute and let your skills take over.”
Game 2 of The World Series will Tonight at 7:57.

By: Jeffrey Ellison

ANTOINE WALKER BROKE

Antoine Walker former NBA stud and 3 point specialist has encountered some financial problems of late. According, to several newspaper and Internet reports Walker after making millions in the NBA is broke. In his 12 year NBA career Walker has made more than $110 million along with money coming from endorsements. During the last several months, the once millionaire athlete has been pursued by multiple financial institutions for unpaid debts. Walker owes approximately $4 million to debt collectors.

Walker financial troubles were brought to light in July, when he was arrested for writing bad checks to a casino in Lake Tahoe, California. Walker wrote $800,000 in fraudulent checks to the casino. Walker also faces felony check fraud charges in Las Vegas. All his financial trouble cannot be blamed on his obvious gambling problem; he supported about 70 friends and family members over his NBA career. I wonder if they will help him out in his time of need. This is a crazy ending to a once prominent career. I don’t know what the futures hold for Antoine Walker, but the VILLA wishes him the best of luck with his future.

LEBRON WEARS NIKE NITRO MICROPHONE

We are all witnesses to the greatness of LeBron James. Arguably, the best player in the league today, he last left his mark within the NBA. LeBron is a freakish athlete standing 6’8 and about 260 pounds. Sounds like a football player, but he moves fluidly like a guard on the floor. LeBron has been a breath of fresh air to league and has put the NBA on his shoulders. LeBron is 24 years young and hasn’t reached his full potential and its going to be frightening when he finally reaches the segment of his career.

On another note, LeBron has left his mark within the fashion scene. Normally, people of his stature aren’t known for their sense of fashion, but LeBron has showed enormous people can dress. It’s not a secret that LeBron James is an avid sneaker collector. Recently, when Jay-z’s The Blueprint 3 Tour hit Cleveland, Ohio, LeBron was brought upon the stage by musical genius Pharrell during his performance. Of course, LeBron hit the stage for the performance sporting some limited and exclusive kicks. LeBron who is endorsed by Nike wore a pair of Nike Nitro Microphone Underground Air Force 1 High Premium. Nike along with Japanese Underground Hip-Hop group “Nitro Microphone Underground” collaborated on a special edition and very limited sneaker. The sneakers when they released were available at 50 stores in the country. The VILLA was one of them, so if you want to get your hands on these limited exclusive sneakers, visit our 52 St., and Gallery location to see if we still have them. LeBron may have brought up all the pairs in his size, so don’t waste time.

Kyle Bush

ANTOINE WALKER COULD FACE JAIL TIME

Antoine Walker has earning a reported $110 million over the course of his 13-year NBA career, but is now apparently broke. According to the Boston Globe, Walkern was in a Las Vegas courtroom this week to answer to charges of fraud for writing bad checks to different casinos, totaling $1 million. The Globe also reports that Walker also owes J.P. Morgan Chase Bank $1.5 million, Wachovia Bank $1.5 million, American Express $53,000, and his former agent $450,000. That’s a total of over $4.5 million dollars. Walker has yet to publicly speak on the situation.

B.E.T. HIP HOP AWARDS RECAP

To start off, Jay-Z won the BET Hip-Hop Awards MVP of the Year trophy, beating Lil Wayne, Drake, T.I. and Kanye West. Hov also opened the show with a performance of “As Real as It Gets” with Young Jeezy. Other performers on the show included the Goodie Mob, Snoop Dogg and Gucci Mane, who got a chance to perform all his big hits of the last few months, including “Break Up” and “Wasted.” If you’re into rap cyphers B.E.T. killed it last night… check them out.