Busta Rhymes And Hip-Hoppers Venture To See Fela On Broadway

The Hip-Hop community has fallen in love with “Fela!” again.

The play, which is backed by Will Smith and Jay-Z, celebrates the life and times of legendary Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and composer, activist, and political rebel.

Busta Rhymes recently attended a show and met with member of the cast afterwards.

“The Fela play is unbelievable, mind blowing, and very informative and bone chilling. Most importantly, very entertaining, and I will be going to see it again before it leaves New York, ” Busta Rhymes told AllHipHop.com in a statement.

Other Hip-Hop artists have continued to extol the play which is on a limited run in New York until August 4. It initially ran on Broadway in 2009 and was met with rave reviews.

Other members of the Hip-Hop community have also visited the play. Questlove of The Roots continuously praises “Fela!” through his various social networks.

“I witnessed a miracle tonight,” wrote Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson after seeing “Fela!”

Others still are rumored to be working with the musicians of “Fela!” in a number of Hip-Hop album efforts.

For information, go here www.felaonbroadway.com/ and for tickets, go here. You can get a discount if you put FEDGM77 in the promo code.

Rappers React To Death of Sherman Hemsley

A number of rappers are mourning over the death of legendary actor Sherman Hemsley, who died today (July 24), in El Paso, Texas.

According to reports, Hemsley died of natural causes at the age of 74, in his sleep.

As an actor, Sherman Hemsley started his acting career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He moved to New York and hit Broadway as an actor, where he was discovered by Norman Lear, who cast him in the TV series “All in the Family.”

Hemsley and actress Isabel Sanford played the characters George and Louise Jefferson on “All in the Family,” which produced the spinoff show “The Jeffersons.”

“Sherman Hemsley you’ll be missed,” fellow Philadelphian Questlove tweeted.

Artists like Waka Flocka and 9th Wonder offered up condolences, while producer/DJ D-Nice, discussed Hemsley’s personal impact on his life.

“Growing up, all I wanted to do was live in a high rise building with a doorman,” D-Nice said. “RIP Sherman Hemsley. Thanks for the inspiration.”

After “The Jeffersons,” Sherman Hemsley remain in demand as an actor.

He started as Deacon Ernest Frye in the hit series “Amen” and had roles in TV shows like “Family Guy,” “The Hughleys,” “Family Matters,” “Martin,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

“It was an Honor to know and work with you,” MC Hammer tweeted.” Thanks for all the laughs :)”

Timbaland Launches New Sparkling Liqueur LeSUTRA

Grammy Award winning producer Timbaland is jumping into the spirits business with the launch of a new sparkling liqueur called LeSutra.

Timbaland is co-owner in the new company, along with partners who are veterans in the business.

The multi-platinum producer is working with Tom Bruno, co-founder of Grey Goose Vodka, wine & spirit distribution expert Ryan Rosenberg and marketing “masterminds” Adam Berkowitz and Jonathan Webb.

LeSUTRA

The ultra-premium brand liqueur will come in four different flavors and according to the founders, LeSUTRA will “revolutionize the liqueur industry” by tapping into a variety of tastes and demographics.

“Everything that I create is groundbreaking and LeSUTRA is no different,” said co-owner and LeSUTRA partner Timbaland. “With its innovative ingredients and design, I’m confident that we’ll gain a loyal and eclectic consumer base. My infectious style has helped produce career-defining hits for artists worldwide, and now I’m guaranteeing another hit with LeSUTRA. “

LeSUTRA, which was inspired by the Kama Sutra, will launch in three different flavors – blueberry, strawberry, grape and peach.

Grey Goose co-founder Tom Bruno was also excited about his latest brand and business venture.
“With all my years in the wine and spirits industry, I have come across many fledging brands,” Tom Bruno said. “It is really rare to find a brand with so much potential and unique craftsmanship. From the recipe formula and luxury packaging to the marketing presence and overall impact of a partner like Timbaland, we have a champion in LeSUTRA.”

Timbaland is planning a massive launch party for LeSUTRA this Labor Day in Miami.

LeSUTRA is 30 Proof and will be priced at $29.99 for 750 mL and $19.99 for 375 mL. LeSUTRA Sparkling Liqueur launch on the East coast in this summer, with plans to expand nationwide in 2013.

HTC Sells Back Half Of Beats Electronics To Owners For $150 Million

Telephone maker HTC has sold back half of their stake in Beats Electronics, the company co-owned by producer Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.

According to the Chicago Tribune, HTC sold 25% of their shares back to Beats Electronics for $150 million.

HTC originally purchased a 50% stake in Beats Electronics for $309 million, in August 2011.

According to HTC, the sale “provides Beats with more flexibility for global expansion while maintaining HTC’s major stake and commercial exclusivity in mobile.”

Today (July 23), HTC’s shares fell almost 4% because of the news, with investors being concerned about HTC’s strategy for the future.