Ya Heard: 50 Cent looks to Kanye for attention again

Dennis Winn/Columnist
Published: September 18, 2008

"Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy."

-- Robert Anthony

OK, it's becoming quite evident 50 Cent is desperately trying to keep his superstar status afloat. At a concert last weekend in Albany, N.Y., 50 told the crowd he was going to treat them to a debut performance of a new song. To the crowd's amazement, the new song was Kanye West's latest effort, "Love Lockdown." The same "Love Lockdown" Kanye debuted at last week's MTV Video Music Awards.

According to MTV, 50 told the crowd, "That's what y'all are left with. I'll forgive y'all for that one," alluding to last year's "soundscan showdown" between Kanye and him.

As of now, 50's new album "Before I Self Destruct" and Kanye's new album "808s and Heartbreak" are scheduled to drop within one week of one another. 50's new album is scheduled to be in stores on Dec. 9; while Kanye's latest is scheduled to drop Dec. 16. It looks as if another showdown is on the horizon, but who really cares? 50 has lost it, musically, and by the sound of Kanye's "Lockdown" he may not be too far away either.

The fact is, these two tremendous emcees had a historic competition when their last albums were released the same day last year. That moment cannot be repeated and should be left alone in history.

I will say that I can somewhat see where 50 is coming from though. If I got my behind kicked like he did, I'd be coming back for a do-over, too.

T.I.'s Ex WANTS 'WHATEVER SHE LIKES'

Amid a recent attempt by Lashon Dixon, the mother of T.I.'s two oldest sons, the "King of the South" issued a statement addressing the insinuation he is not supporting his little princes.

Dixon, who was in a relationship with Tip prior to his huge success in music, sued him last week after claiming the $2,000 per month she receives is not enough to care for their 7- and 8-year-old sons.

In his response, posted on StreetCred.com, T.I. states, "A lot of deceiving information has been reported regarding my recent child support proceeding. It is unfortunate that the media has been used to manipulate the circumstances and distort the facts. Those that know me all know that there is nothing more important to me than my children. I have always supported all of my children financially, emotionally and spiritually. This has always been the case, and I will continue to do so in the future as this is my responsibility as a parent.

"I have also made an attempt to help Lashon with additional payments that have included a down payment to purchase her home, purchase of an automobile for her transportation and other financial obligations. These expenses are documented and are far in excess of the $2,000 cash payment that is being paid direct to Lashon. She has chosen not to work and to live 100 percent from her child-support receipts. This is the reason for her difficulties in making ends meet for herself. Not only do I support my boys 100 percent financially, I am also committed to their emotional and spiritual growth. While I would enjoy the luxury of being present for all of my children's activities, unfortunately the demands of my career and the need to secure my family's financial security, as well as insuring my kids' personal growth, dictates that I travel constantly and work tirelessly."

You see, it's reasons such as these why I'm personally afraid to have children. I can't have women talking about me when I represent this widely acclaimed hip-hop column. The national networks would have a field day with me…right?

Anyway, T.I. has two younger sons with his wife and former Xscape member Tameka "Tiny" Cottle. Stay tuned for more on this story as I believe T.I. may be getting taken to the cleaners with this one. How in the world was he getting away with $2,000 a month anyway?

DADDY YANKEE RESPONDS TO FAT JOE, SORT OF

A couple of weeks ago, I reported Fat Joe called reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee a sellout after Yankee publicly endorsed Sen. John McCain for the 2008 presidential election.

To refresh your memory, Joe's comments went a little like this: "'Fat Joe Says Daddy Yankee Is a Sellout…' I opened the newspaper and got sick to my stomach. I felt like I wanted to vomit when I seen that. The reason why I called him a sellout is because I feel he did that for a [publicity] look, rather than the issues that are affecting his people that look up to him." Joe went on by saying, "How could you want John McCain in office when George Bush and the Republicans already have half a million people losing their homes in foreclosure? We're fighting an unjust war…"

Well after nearly three weeks, Yankee came out to defend himself. "A man does not sellout when he backs his ideals. I don't care who I piss off." Yankee said. "This is about my ideals, not about making friends. Sen. McCain is the kind of man whose promises you can actually believe in. I asked the Senator point-blank about whether or not he will seriously help Puerto Rico and our veterans here, and he said, 'Yes. You endorse me, and I will do it.' I believe he will back up his word."

YA HEARD TRIVIA

How does a man with no arms and no legs cross the freeway? Hint: Take the letter "F" out of the word "free" and then take the letter "F" out of the word "way."

The first person to email the correct answer will receive two free AMC movie tickets courtesy of the Potomac News/Manassas Journal.

Love is love; real recognize real; for everyone else, read a book… 'Til next week, peace!

Dennis Winn can be reached at 703-200-4928 or .