You know the recession is for real when rappers have been forced to cut back on their purchases of bling (or “bling bling” if you prefer.) According to the WSJ*, a brutal combination of a deepening recession coupled with plummeting music sales have forced aspiring hip-hop moguls to downsize from diamond encrusted baubles to faux-ice. Real home discounts may still be on the way.

According to NBC Los Angeles as person was fatally shot at the Beverly Center Shooting. According to Manolith the victim was rapper Dolla. Mainstream media is not yet confirming that the is Dolla, but some confirm that the victim is dead.

Rapper 50 Cent was told by movie execs that he needs to shed some of his muscles for his upcoming role in the movie Streets of Blood. Taking this seriously, 50 is doing aerobics as part of his training regimen to better fit the role where he will be playing a cop in the Hurricane Katrina action movie.

Rapper Pimp C, whose real name is Chad Butler and a member of the rap duo UGK, was found dead in a hotel room this morning in L.A. California.

Rapper 50 Cent is suing Internet advertising company Traffix Inc for using his image without permission in the graphic "Shoot the Rapper" ad, which he says promotes violence and threatens his safety.

Rapper Busta Rhymes, accused of attacking two men, driving drunk, and driving with a suspended license, is facing four separate trials in a New York court.

Far Rock native and Byrdgang affiliate Stack Bundles was shot and killed early today in front of his home.