A little under a month ago, our good friend Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97 addressed the ongoing drinking and driving issue, which unfortunately, has also been a trendy topic to rap about these days. With the loss of Peter’s brother-in-law last May, we strongly support Peter’s stance and would like to promote awareness of this matter.

So after the Top Dog Entertainment duo discussed some of their recent successes, Peter had the chance to confront Schoolboy Q about the A$AP Rocky featured track “Hands On the Wheel,” off his latest project Habits & Contradictions, which happens to endorse drinking and driving.

Hit the jump to see Peter’s previous PSA.

Related: A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q Consider Joint Project (MTV News)

Things are not so well for Cory Gunz. Last night, reports came out that the YMCMB rapper was arrested for gun possession in his home area of the Bronx, NY on Saturday afternoon. Today, his father Peter Gunz confirmed with MTV News that his son was indeed detained on a gun charge. This is Cory’s first run in with the law, a statement from Peter Gunz below.

The details are still sketchy, but I can confirm that he was arrested with a firearm yesterday in the Bronx. They caught him around 2p.m. in the afternoon with a loaded gun in his knapsack. It was definitely an illegal search.

UPDATE: Looks like Cory’s home, for now.

Read Peter Gunz’ full statement after the jump….

The details are still sketchy, but I can confirm that he was arrested with a firearm yesterday in the Bronx. They caught him around 2p.m. in the afternoon with a loaded gun in his knapsack. It was definitely an illegal search.

I spoke to the arresting officer, and so far, what I’m hearing from him is that they got a phone call at the station saying they should ‘look out’. According to [the officer], they didn’t know he was Cory Gunz. They just saw a bunch of kids following him around. What I will say is that the officer that arrested Cory, actually happened to be a cool dude. After arresting Cory, sitting down with him and talking, he felt bad about the situation.

At the end of the day, there’s a reason for everything, but at the same time, in New York, it’s mandatory jail time. To go to a precinct and see your son, your junior, in handcuffs, it’s heartbreaking. Anytime you see your child in jail, in the cell, in handcuffs, it’s very hard. He’s walked down some of the same paths that I walked down, but you never want to see your kids go through what you went through. This is Cory’s first offense, but sometimes they like to make an example out of rappers and people with any kind of celebrity to them.

Previously: Cory Gunz Feat. Meek Mill – “YMCMB MMG” (Video)

What an awful low point to end 2011 with….Police in Atlanta are still trying to track down the man who shot and killed Bricksquad rapper Slim Dunkin this past Friday. Slim had just recently shot a video with his longtime friend Waka Flocka, Jadakiss and Styles P, and he was featured on Gucci Mane and V-Nasty’s BAYTL EP. But the events leading up to his death are increasingly disturbing.
According to homicide detective, David Quinn:

“The victim, Mario Hamilton, known as Slim Dunkin,….according to witnesses, someone came into this room, struck him and a fight ensued. The information we’re getting, it’s unconfirmed, but witnesses are saying this whole thing started over a piece of candy….“

It’s naive to reduce the entire motive to candy. Obviously, this is about pride, jealousy, possession, posturing in front of others, and so many other machismo elements that cause trivial things to spark unthinkable violence.
But for a piece of candy to be the catalyst for hate like this…in a studio filled with folks who could have stepped in with voices of reason (or how about stepping up in the past 4 days with information?!)….just every thing about this is a disgusting shameful tragedy.

If you know anything helpful, call Atlanta’s crimestoppers 1-404-577-TIPS (8477)

More on the ongoing investigation into Slim Dunkin’s death…
And his public viewing…
After the jump

MTV News reports that there will be a public viewing for Slim Dunkin’s friends, family and fans:
Thursday, December 22
6pm to 9pm
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia

Slim Dunkin (Mario Hamilton), a 24 year old Brick Squad artist, appeared on his friend Waka Flocka’s Flockaveli album, as well as Gucci Mane and Waka’s Ferrari Boyz album and Gucci Mane and V-Nasty’s BAYTL EP. Most recently, he shot a video for the “Lightz On” (Remix) with Waka, Jadakiss and Styles P.

The Associated Press interviewed Atlanta Police Major Keith Meadows:

“It appears the victim was scheduled to do a photo shoot,” Meadows told The Associated Press. “Before the video shoot took place, it appears the victim and suspect got involved in a verbal altercation. We don’t know what that altercation was about.”

“The suspect produced a weapon, discharged that handgun one time, striking the victim in the chest,” Meadows said.

The performer was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Meadows said police have not been able to identify the shooter. He said 13 to 20 people were in the small office-type building at the time of the shooting, which took place around 5:30 p.m. local time, but they were in different places.

Holy crap. I’m speechless. I guess I had somehow convinced myself that last week’s viral photo of a young women with her eyebrows shaved off and a huge tattoo on her forehead that read “DRAKE” was just a horrible figment of my imagination. Or some cruel photoshop joke played by rival highschool cholas on facebook.

But NO! It’s so real. And thank you, Vice. And thank you Vice writer Kara-Lis Coverdale for christiane-amanpouring this so that we could know what really happened at LA’s Will Rise tattoo shop….when this chick walked in with a mission.

Kevin Campbell tells Vice:

“She was really psyched about it. She had the shitty font all picked out on her iPhone ready to go and was pretty adamant about putting it on her forehead…When I printed up the first image of the lettering, she wanted me to go bigger…“

“My whole deal with people wanting completely outrageous and potentially life-ruining tattoos is this: I’ll ask them three times if they really think it’s a good idea, I tell them what the potential consequences of getting a tattoo on their face might be, and after that, the bad decision is on them. I believe that people get the tattoos that they deserve…
I guess I feel bad that this dumbass got the name of the softest motherfucker in hip-hop tattooed on her forehead. But what makes that any less valid of a tattoo to her?… I lost a little sleep over it that first night, wondering if I wanted to be known as the asshole who tattooed “DRAKE” on some crackhead’s forehead.“

(You can’t see me but I’m hyperventilating at this whole interview.)
More photos of this woman’s epic fail of all fails…
And more of Vice x Kevin Campbell’s awful/awesome commentary…
After the jump

Kevin the Tattoo Artist was hilariously opinionated about this woman’s choice of rapper to tattoo:

“The funny thing is, I didn’t know who Drake was. I figured it was her hood or some shit, not some goofnugget R&B dude.“

And also aesthetically horrified:

“When it’s something as simple as lettering, I could have tried to steer her into a prettier font maybe, or a different location (obviously), but she was already set on this letterman jacket-style font.“

But it sounds like even this crazy kooky Drake-fan is having some tattoo-remorse:

“Sadly, she didn’t leave a number on her consent form, just her name. But she is supposed to be coming back to finish the tattoo once it heals (she only had enough money for the outline) and I could probably talk to her then. She was on a pretty good one when she came in, but I think by the time I finished she was coming down, because her attitude changed pretty drastically once the tattoo was finished.“

Meanwhile, someone get this guy Kevin on twitter…he’s awesome:

“I don’t particularly want this one tattoo to represent my whole body of work… I’ve actually done some way crazier facial tattoos recently, but was really careful not to blast the shit all over the internet. There are so many kids walking up and down Fairfax with ridiculous facial tattoos that I didn’t think too much about it before I did it. Plus, the whole shaved eyebrow thing usually means you just got put on to your neighborhood or whatever, so I figured she was just some crazy shermed-out cholla who was “down for her calle” or whatever.

In my opinion this whole world’s going to shit, and shit rolls downhill, so I might as well just jump in, hold my breath, and pray to God that there’s a nice big soft puddle of diarrhea for me to land in once everything hits the fan.“

I love him.

UPDATE: Wow, not only is Kevin on twitter (via Kara-Lis), but #TheGirlWithTheDrakeTattoo came back for more (see photo gallery)! Wow again. And that hashtag?! Genius.

The man blamed for Michael Jackson’s death had his final day in court earlier this afternoon. He was sentenced to four year in prison but due to overcrowding Murray will serve his time in LA County jail. Also to his benefit, the doctor could only end up serving less than half of his time. It’s been reported that most sentences differed to LA County jail are cut in half.

Murray’s lawyers gave this statement: “Yes, of course [Judge Pastor] was harsh. He gave the stiffest penalty he was entitled to give under the law,” Murray’s attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, told reporters. “He was openly hostile. … [Murray has] led 56 years of exemplary life. He was really dreading [sentencing]. I think anybody would dread going into it. He’s an honorable man, and he’ll get through this. The family is suffering more than Dr. Murray is. … Dr. Murray is the provider in that family.”

More on Lil Boosie’s drug charges and Loon’s recent heroin case after the jump…

Boosie has been making headlines from jail over the last 2 years. While awaiting trial for various murder charges, the Baton Rouge rapper racked up multiple drug offenses after he was caught trying to smuggle narcotics into prison. Today, Boosie met his fate and was hit with 8 years in jail for his crimes.

“Local TV station WFAB reports that District Judge Mike Erwin passed down the sentence after Boosie admitted that he tried to smuggle drugs into Louisiana’s Dixon Correctional Center and Angola State Penitentiary. Upon hearing his sentence, the 29-year-old rapper requested admittance to a drug rehab program, and while the judge agreed to recommend treatment, he wouldn’t order it. Boosie will receive credit for the time he has already served behind bars.”

He still faces murder charges.

This former Bad Boy rapper also caught a tough break over the holiday weekend. Chauncey Hawkins aka Loon was recently arrested in Brussells over an old Heroin trafficking case from ‘06. The rapper converted to Islam a few years back and was said to be living a new life overseas. Well, it looks like his checkered past finally caught up to him.

He is currently being held in custody in the States.

Family, friends, and members of the hip-hop community came out to say their final wishes to the late Heavy D, who passed away last week. Attendees included: Diddy, Jay-Z, Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Usher, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Johnny Gill, Andre Harrell and more. Rev. Al Sharpton, who was also present, surprised Heavy D ’s daughter Xea Myers with a speech from President Barack Obama which you can read below.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time,” the note from Obama read. “He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

via NY1

View photos of Jay-Z, Diddy, Will Smith, Queen Latifah, Usher, John Legend, MC Lyte and more attending Heavy D’s funeral, after the jump…..

via MTV Rap Fix

Previously:
Rest In Peace: Heavy D’s Funeral Arrangements
Lil Cease Says Heavy D and Biggie Wanted to Record an Album Together
Busta Rhymes – “You Ain’t Gotta Wait Until I’m Gone” (Heavy D Tribute)
Remembering Heavy D: Mr. Cee’s Tribute Mix, Pete Rock on Hot97, and More
Heavy D Passes Away At Age 44, Rest In Peace

The life of the late Dwight Arrington Meyers bka Heavy D, will be celebrated in a private funeral this Friday, November 18th in Mount Vernon, New York. A public viewing will be open to the public for fans to pay their respects on Thursday, Nov. 17th from 12pm-6pm, while a trust fund for the family has also been set up.

via EurWeb

Related: Andre Harrell Heavy D Tribute (Rap Radar) | Heavy D’s Family Remembers Rap Star (AllHipHop)

Full funeral arrangement details after the jump….

Public Viewing for Dwight Myers:
12 (Noon)-6 p.m.
Thursday, November 17, 2011

Private Funeral Service:
11 a.m.
Friday, November 18, 2011

Grace Baptist Church
One Grace Plaza
52 South Sixth Avenue
Mount Vernon, New York 10550
(914) 664-2676 212-381-2037

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund:

C/O JP Morgan Chase
726 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10085

Checks payable to: The Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund

For Wire Donations:

Routing Number – 021000021
Account Number – 3003286568

Heavy D Information Line: 212-381-2037

Previously:
Lil Cease Says Heavy D and Biggie Wanted to Record an Album Together
Busta Rhymes – “You Ain’t Gotta Wait Until I’m Gone” (Heavy D Tribute)
Remembering Heavy D: Mr. Cee’s Tribute Mix, Pete Rock on Hot97, and More
Heavy D Passes Away At Age 44, Rest In Peace

Sad news, and so sudden. TMZ reports that Heavy D was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles this afternoon and died soon afterwards. There are reports that he was conscious and speaking when paramedics arrived, but that he was suffering from complications from pneumonia. Heavy D was only 44 years old.

If you didn’t grow up during his career’s prime, you missed some of the most fun, most energetic, and lyrically acrobatic hip hop of the golden 90’s in New York City. Hailing from Mount Vernon, Heavy D (born Dwight Arrington Myers) blended elements of West Indian dancehall, soul samples and jazz elements into his music. And most of all, D had the best big man dance moves hip hop has ever seen…and I doubt anyone will ever match them.
Details of his passing are still emerging, but Heavy D had just performed at BET’s Hip Hop Awards last month. (And also had a cameo in the new movie Tower Heist too!)

*sigh*
We will definitely reminisce over you, Waterbed Hev.

UPDATE: TMZ has added more sad details…A friend has said Heavy D had pneumonia, and a law enforcement official said Heavy D collapsed outside of his apartment:

Heavy D had just returned from shopping and walked up some stairs when he began having trouble breathing. Adam Mills, a designer who was in the building and knew Heavy D, found him leaning against a railing and clearly in distress. Adam tells us he cradled Heavy D in his lap as others called 911. Adam says Heavy D was conscious and said to him, “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.” When paramedics took Heavy D to the hospital he had a pulse. People in the building are saying he died of a heart attack, but we have not been able to confirm that. Law enforcement sources tell us … no foul play was involved and so far they only know the cause of death was “medical.”

Watch Heavy D’s final performance, and some of my favorite favorite beloved Heavy D hits…
“Truthful,” “Don’t Curse,” “Now That We Found Love,” and “Dem No Worry We”
After the jump

Heavy D “Truthful”
This was always one of my favorite Heavy D songs….a more wistful departure from Hev’s party songs, but so on point. The video starred Kim Porter, the future mother of three of Diddy’s kids.
Also, props to StreetEtiquette and Atrak for reminding me that Hev also produced Beanie Sigel’s “Feel It In the Air,” another amazing and similarly introspective track.

Heavy D, along with Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, C.L. Smooth, Big Daddy Kane, Pete Rock, and Q-Tip: “Don’t Curse”

Heavy D and the Boyz feat. Aaron Hall “Now That We Found Love”
*Watch the dance moves. Flawless.*

Heavy D could chat with the best of them. Here he’s with Supercat on “Dem No Worry We.”

(Jim Jones, post-”altercation“, looking grumpy but uninjured)

Listen to my Celebrity Drama Report on the incident…
After the jump

Miss Info Celebrity Drama Report on Hot97’s Funk Flex Show: Jim Jones shares his side of the Harlem altercation story…

(Jim Jones says this photo was taken after the altercation in Harlem)

Related:
Love & Hip Hop Season 2: Hey Gurl, I Slept With Your Man
ASAP Rocky and Jim Jones in the Studio
The Diplomats Q & A With Miss Info: Cam’s Jay-Z Impersonations, The Roc-A-Fella Saga and More
Dipset Talks to Miss Info About the Roc-a-Fella Days, Mariah Carey and More

TMZ just broke some startling news about Rick Ross. Reports say the rapper suffered a seizure while on a plane from Ft. Lauderdale to Memphis today. He reportedly lost consciousness as a result and the plane made an emergency landing. Paramedics rushed to his aid.

10:36 AM PST: A witness tells TMZ, Rick fell unconscious right after take-off.

Update: Ross’ crew says he is fine now.

Update2: Rick Ross tweeted to Elliott Wilson, looks like he’s definitely ok.

Update3: Ross suffered a 2nd seizure on another plane and is currently in stable condition. Our sources say he will be staying in the hospital for a complete round of tests.

Update 4: Sat. Oct 14…According to TMZ, Ross’ team has told promoters in Greensboro that he will be performing tonight as planned at a homecoming concert for North Carolina A&T State University. I can’t imagine why, but I guess if doctors at the hospital have released him for work, then he must be feeling up to it. This is kind of nuts.

Update 5: Sat. Oct 14th, 7pm….TMZ checked back with the promoter of the North Carolina show…and they said now Ross’ appearance has been cancelled. I’m sure the fans understand….and if they don’t, they’re not really fans. Just observers.

Read more about Rick Ross’ original medical emergency….
After the jump

TMZ has learned … Rick Ross’ private jet made an emergency landing in Birmingham, Alabama, 2 hours ago, en route to his concert in Memphis … and we found out he suffered another seizure.

It’s the second time today where a plane in which the rapper was a passenger made an emergency landing. We broke the story … Rick suffered a seizure this morning on a Delta flight that returned to the Ft. Lauderdale airport.

Rick went to the hospital, was released, and then took off at 5:07 PM ET from Ft. Lauderdale to make his concert tonight in Memphis. But at 5:44 PM CDT, the plane was diverted and landed in Birmingham after Rick had a seizure on board.