R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn released the music video for his latest single “Bulletproof” via his Twitter a few weeks ago and here it is. The song features rapper Ludacris and samples Curtis Mayfield’s “The Other Side of Town.”

Continue reading to peep the new video and be on the look-out for Raheem’s forthcoming album The Love & War MasterPeace, set to be released in February 2010!

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Rapper Ludacris hosted the Ludacris Foundation’s 6th Annual Benefit Dinner Saturday evening (Oct 24) in Washington, D.C. The Atlanta native presented Congresswoman Maxine Waters (Democrat – California) with the Congressional Leadership award in the name of his foundation prior to the event.

On giving the Congressional Leadership award to Congresswoman Waters, Ludacris said “I just think she is a great woman and a great individual.” He suggested the relationship between the two bridged the generation gap.

In a later interview, Waters praised the rapper for reaching out to her generation. “For more mature people like me to be recognized by younger people is really important,” she said. She argued that Ludacris’ style of music should be more widely accepted.

“The hip hop culture has a profound influence on our country on our young people – for many many years it has been known as violent or vulgar,” she said. “Instead of running away from it we should embrace it.”

SOURCE

Other celebrities at the benefit dinner were Raheem DeVaughn, Common, Omarosa and more. Continue reading for the rest of the pics!

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Carlton Fields and lawfirm is suing Atlanta rap star Ludacris for over $61,860 dollars for past due expenses that he fore fronted to the Ludacris Foundation back in March 2008. Carlton drew back from servicing the organization when payment was refused.

He was hired to defend the non-profit against a personal injury/negligence claim from 2007. Ludacris’ mother stepped in and tells XXL magazine, “We are talking with the law firm and I am sure we will get this resolved.” We can only hope for the best.

The firm, who began representing Luda and his carity in March 2008, claims they haven’t been paid for out-of-pocket expenses either. So they suspended their services in April of this year due to non-payment of the outstanding balance.

Ludacris has had his non-profit organization, known as the “Ludacris Foundation,” since 2001 and recently gave away used cars and six months worth of gas to 20 lucky fans in Atlanta.

The 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards went down in Atlanta, GA Saturday (Oct 10). We hear Jay-Z and Young Jeezy opened the show in a big way with a surprise performance! Other tidbits from the show include the late DJ AM being the recipient of the “DJ of the Year” award, Kid & Play popping up during New Boyz‘ performance and Gucci Mane performing like 3 or 4 times. The show also featured performances from Soulja Boy, Ludacris, Jim Jones, Snoop Dogg and more.

The show, hosted by comedian Mike Epps, airs on BET on Tuesday, October 27th at 8/7c and we hear it was actually the best out of the few that have gone on over the past few years.

In the meantime, check out all of the photos/happenings from the events surrounding the show by hitting up our BET Hip-Hop Awards ‘09 section and continue reading below for more pics from inside the show!

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Ashanti sure is looking good these days! It’s hard to believe Nelly let all of that go. She and Ja Rule reunited on stage at the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors Wednesday night (Sep 23), which saw performances from Wale, Kid Rock, Method Man & Redman, Eminem and more. The ceremony honored the pioneers of Def Jam along with the people, past and present, who helped create the label and build it into what it is today. Hosted by comedian Tracy Morgan, the show is set to make its television debut only on VH1 on Tuesday, October 13th at 9 pm.

It’s only right that the first Def Jam artist to be honored was the label’s foundation and face for so many years, LL Cool J. The Roots started it off with “Rock the Bells.” Black Thought ripped the first verse of the record, then gave way for a special guest: Eminem. Last year, Slim Shady publicly expressed his love for LL during a phone prank on DJ Tony Touch’s Shade 45 radio show. Spitting the second verse of “Rock the Bells” on Wednesday night, Em sounded almost exactly like the legend who inspired him. “Now I’m worldwide known/ Whether you like it or not/ My one-man band is Cut Creator…/ When he’s on the fader/ What’s my DJ’s name?” “Cut Creator!” The crowd yelled. Later, Kid Rock paid tribute to LL with “I’m Bad.” The Kid also DJed during the show, as did Ed Lover.

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Rapper DMX walked the Red Carpet of the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors Wednesday night (Sep 23) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. His appearance at this year’s show marked his first public appearance/performance in at least three years. And we all know all of the drama he’s been getting himself into in the meantime.

Also on the red carpet were Wale, Ashanti, Fabolous, Ludacris, Eve, Trey Songz and more. The show, hosted by Tracy Morgan, airs October 13th at 9 pm on VH1. Continue reading for the rest of the pics from the Red Carpet.

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Rapper Ludacris gave away 20 cars in Atlanta at his “Stars for Cars Luda Day Car Giveaway” at Nissan South Sunday (Sep 6).

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?’ ”

SOURCE: MTV

Actress Kyla Pratt celebrated her 23rd birthday with a party Sunday night (Sep 6) in Hollywood. Ludacris and Jamie Foxx were spotted in the VIP area of Atlanta nightclub the Velvet Room Saturday night (Sep 5) after Jamie’s concert at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. And Dr. Dre and Lady Gaga attended the launch of “Heartbeats by Lady Gaga” headphones at an event in Berlin, Germany.

We also have recent photos of Ice-T, Tahj Mowry, Kerry Rhodes and more when you continue reading!

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Actress Terri J. Vaughn and singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas attended Terri’s private birthday party in Atlanta Saturday (Aug 29). Also in Atlanta on Saturday night, Ludacris hosted an event at Straits (his restaurant) and Keshia Knight Pulliam and Tommy Lee came out. And Q-Tip and Solange posed for a pic backstage at “Long Live the King! A Birthday Celebration for Michael Jackson” that same night at the Nokia Theatre in New York City.

We also have recent pictures of Meagan Good, M.I.A. and more all attending events in various location this past weekend. Continue reading to check them out!

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Rapper Ludacris unveiled his new Conjure Cognac drink Tuesday (Aug 25) with a tasting party held at The King is Dead Lounge in the Grass Restaurant in Miami. He recently signed a deal with Creative Artists Agency to represent him and his new business ventures, including the cognac drink, his new TAG fragrance and his new movie, “Gamer,” set to hit theaters next Friday (Sept 4).

And that’s not all! Luda also has endorsement deals with AT&T, Puma, Pontiac AND Pepsi. And let’s just add that his new representation, CAA, has clients like Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Oprah, Brad Pitt, Will Smith and LeBron James, who all have pretty deep pockets.

Can you say “DAMN?!” Ludacris is definitely getting to the money. Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc. … watch out! We have another hip-hop mogul making his way up to the top!