Here's a round-up of the latest news around the hip hop world...


-> Birdman & 15 Others Arrested In Tennessee

Cash Money Records CEO + rapper Bryan "Birdman" Williams was among 16 people arrested in Tennessee on Tuesday and was charged with possession of over an ounce of marijuana and may possibly face gun charges. Birdman and his entourage (which included his 18 year old wifey, brother Slim, and other Cash Money employees) were in a rented RV driving from New Orleans to BET's studios in New York City for a Rap City taping. While in Tennessee, the RV was pulled over for driving erratically and running a tractor trailer off the road. The officer detected a strong odor of that sticky icky and after a search, found over a pound of weed stashed in a trashcan. Upon further inspection, the officer also found a 9mm handgun, assault rifle, and .45 cal magazine. All 16 passengers were arrested and charged with possessing the weed, and the ATF is conducting an investigation regarding the weapons and more charges may be filed as result. As of Wednesday evening, all 16 had posted $1,500 bail and were released. (Source: TMZ)


-> Nas' Upcoming Album Pushed Back To February

It was reported today by MTV News that Nas' new album "Nigger" will be pushed back until February '08. Although it was originally planned to be released sometime in December, Esco is still hard at work putting the finishing touches on the already controversial LP. Thus far he has worked with a slew of producers including Salaam Remi, DJ Toomp, Diddy + The Hitmen, Will.i.am, and Jermaine Dupri. There are also non-confirmed rumors that the album will also feature production from DJ Premier + Just Blaze. Nas also made it clear to MTV that the track that surfaced last week "What It Is" will not be on the album, and stressed that he had never rhymed over that beat, essentially stating that it was just a blend falsely labeled as a legit track. (Source: MTV News)


-> Lil' Wayne Speaks Out About The Clipse

In this month's issue of Complex magazine, Lil' Wayne recreates 2Pac's infamous VIBE cover clothed in a straight jacket. In fact, the interview is causing some controversy because after months of speculation, Weezy finally speaks candidly about his feelings toward The Clipse.

“I thought the whole ‘Mr. Me Too’ video was about me, to tell you the damn truth. They think I want to be like them. I’m on a million-dollar bus going around the world charging people from $50,000 to $150,000 for verses, and I got 77 songs in magazines and I got a billion more. Do the math; you think I’m trying to be like you? No sir.”

To check out the full interview and cover story on the self proclaimed "martian" be sure to go out and cop the new issue of Complex when it hits news stands on December 11th. (Source: Complex)


-> The Dogg Pound Released From Cash Money

After only 3 months after announcing their deal with Cash Money Records, Kurupt + Daz Dillinger aka The Dogg Pound have released a statement that they have already parted ways with the label over a financial dispute. They can now be added to the long list of disgruntled artists who have signed and left Cash Money after accusing Birdman and the label of refusing to pay owed to them. The DPG's upcoming album "Westcoast Aftershock" was scheduled to be released through the New Orleans based label early next year, however the project's status is now up in the air while they search for a new home to distribute their music. (Source: AllHipHop)


-> Kidz In The Hall Sign With Duck Down Records

It was announced today that the Chicago duo Kidz In The Hall have inked a deal with the infamous Duck Down Records. The hot up-and-comers made some serious noise last year with their debut album "School Was My Hustle" which was released on Rawkus Records. The group is comprised of producer DJ Double-O and MC Naledge and they are currently recording their follow-up "The In Crowd" which will now be released by Duck Down sometime in '08. Kidz released a hot mixtape earlier this fall with Mick Boogie titled "Detention" and it is now available for a free download on Duckdown.com click here to download the tape. (Source: XXL)