Money Doesn't Buy Intelligence!

T.I. and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were arrested in Los Angeles last night after police smelled marijuana smoke coming out of their Maybach. T.I. just got out of federal prison last December related to weapons charges, and is a convicted felon. I'm not sure of the legal ramifications that will result from T.I.'s arrest but obviously money doesn't buy intelligence.

Rapper Dolla Slain In Los Angeles!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that rapper Dolla was slain outside a Beverley Hills area mall on Monday. Only 21, Dolla had been in involved in an altercation earlier in the day with a male and female, and apparently was followed to the mall. A "person of interest" was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. Dolla, who was signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik label was being touted as the next Tupac. Too bad the young man's dreams will never be realized as violence has taken the life of another young man.

Soulja Boy Proving He's Here To Stay!

Soulja Boy is quietly establishing himself as a viable force in the rap game at 18 years old. 2 years ago he could've been described as a "one hit wonder" with his hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” but with his second cd release “iSouljaBoyTellem,” Soulja Boy has crafted two hits, “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” featuring Sammie, and “Turn My Swag On,” that have made hm a force to be reckoned with throughout hip-hop.

He tells the Atlanta Journal Constitution how he's dealt with the criticism from "haters" and emerged ready to take on the world with his talent.

Katie Couric Takes Lil Wayne Bowling For Pre-Grammy Special!

The The Times-Picayune reports that Katie Couric interviews rap superstar Lil Wayne by taking him bowling for a Pre-Grammy telecast, which is scheduled to air on Wednesday, February 4th. Lil Wayne is schedule to perform the song "Tie My Hands" during the telecast, and tells Couric the following regarding his marijuana use:

"I will stand up for marijuana any day...I'm a rapper," he said. "That's who I am, Miss Katie, and I am a gangster and I do what I want. And I love to smoke. And I smoke."

Whether you like him, or not, Lil Wayne's honesty has to be respected.

Play-N-Skillz Surprised By Grammy Nomination

I've always been intrigued my music production duos. The production duo Play-N-Skills two brothers from Irving, Texas, are one of the hottest production duos in music today. They first gained prominence after winning a Grammy last year for Chamillionaire's "Ridin" (Dirty). This year that received another Grammy nod for producing Lil Wayne's "Got Money". They tell Billboard.com that the track wasn't even supposed to appear on "Tha Carter III," which is nominated for Album of the Year.

The brothers state that the original track was accidentally erased by the engineer, and after rerecording it, they had T-Pain sing the chorus, the track was given to Lil Wayne and the rest is history. Good to see these brothers living their dream.

Kanye's Inner Turmoil

According to media reports, hip-hop superstar Kanye West was arrested yesterday after an altercation outside of a London nightclub. If the reports are correct, this will be West's second arrest in the last month.

Kanye lost his beloved mother just over a year ago, and lamented in an interview with People Magazine about wanting to find a woman who really cares about him. He also made the following statement:

"It's lonely at the top," he told reporters Tuesday at a London listening party for the new album. "Losing my mom, having no woman in my life to support me – I feel like I'm on my own and can only express it through my music."

He also seems to blame himself for his mother's death, stating:

It's a subject that, for a long time, was too sensitive to discuss. "I didn't do any interviews after my mom passed, I wasn't ready to speak about [it]," he said. "Now I'd rather talk it through than commit suicide. I'm super devastated." Cruelly, the rapper blames himself – or more specifically, his fame – for her death. "I feel like I moved to California, then my mom moved to California, and she did stuff she wouldn't have done if we'd stayed in Chicago," he said. "If I'd never made it in the music business, it never would've happened."

Kanye is is understandably still mourning the loss of his mother, who was his manager and rock of stability. Hopefully Kayne will understand that his mother is still living through him and his talent. I hope that these recent bouts of aggression aren't signs of additional problems, and if they are that his circle of friends and family will give him the support that he needs.