A New Orleans rapper and seven other people were arrested for using real guns while filming a mock robbery scene for a music video.

According to reports, rapper Danny Rodgers a.k.a. Lil Dee God's Gift faces criminal charges for the incident after a passerby saw the mock robbery taking place and called police.

"We was in there shooting, getting our shots and everything in the middle of the scene and police just ran in," Rogers said.

"A cop ran in with his gun drawn and after that, backup just followed."

Fox 8 Live New Orleans reports:

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputies swarmed the parking lot, arresting Rogers, Chance Gomez, Yonael Santana, Timothy Kelly and Nidal Jamhour for Criminal Mischief.

Raassan Holmes, Frank Cheffen and Terrell Hogan face a charge of Illegal Carrying of a Concealed Weapon along with Criminal Mischief.

That might be a sign for Lil Dee God's Gift to quit rapping.

A video from the news report is posted below:

For the first time in his career, R&B crooner Usher will headline New Orleans' annual 2011 Essence Music Festival.

Kanye West, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J Blige, Trey Songz, Fantasia and Jill Scott will also be featured performers in the weeklong event, starting July 1 at The Superdome.

Essence Music Festival is widely recognized as the largest African American music event in the U.S, attracting close to half a million spectators yearly.

This year is the 17th year the event has been held.

Check the complete performance schedule below:

Friday, July 1: Usher, Charlie Wilson, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Tank, Miguel, Noel Gourdin, Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas

Saturday, July 2: Kanye West, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, El Debarge, Eric Benet, Timothy Bloom, Morris Day & The Time, Shamarr Allen and The Underdawgs, Stephanie Mills, Charmaine Neville Band, Naughty by Nature, To Be Continued Brass Band

Sunday, July 3: Mary J Blige, New Edition, Trey Songz, Kem, Loose Ends, Hal Linton, Kourtney Heart, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Rebirth Brass Band, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Trin-i-Tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Hot 8 Brass Band

Benefit, Funeral Announced For Slain Rapper Magnolia Shorty

Artists from all over New Orleans banded together to show their support and love for the slain rapper Magnolia Shorty.

At a benefit concert held on December 26, rappers Webbie, Cheeky Black, Rude Jude, Buck and singer Kourtney Heart all performed to raise money for Magnolia Shorty's family.

As previously reported, police were called to the scene of a shooting in the 6300 block of Bridgehampton Drive, when they arrived found Magnolia Shorty, whose real name is Renetta Lowe, and an unidentified man were both shot to death inside of the car.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for the veteran New Orleans rapper. According to published reports, the funeral will take place on Thursday, December 30th at the 5th African Baptist Church.

Although entertainers are banding together, police are still looking for a motivation into the double homicide.

Sources state that the shooters drove a white Crown Victoria with tinted windows.

The community and entertainers are asking for the help of fans to aid the family during their time of grief, fans who wish to donate to the family through the Renetta Lowe Memorial Fund, may do so at any Capital One Bank using account #5626134485.

As of press time, police have no suspects in custody.

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As previously reported an investigation was pending into the shooting of six people on the city's Danziger Bridge six days after the massive hurricane hit.

Six people were hit; two fatally while walking to a grocery store.

The shooting killed a 40-year-old mentally disabled man, Ronald Madison, and 19-year-old James Brissette. The other four people were wounded.

For years the police claimed to shoot after only being shot at.

No weapons were found on the scene.

Ex-officer Michael Lohman, a 21-year veteran of the force, entered a guilty plea of conspiracy to obstruct justice Wednesday.

He says that he and six other officers launched a grand scheme to cover up the killing of the unarmed civilians including fabricating witness statements, planting guns and falsifying reports.

He faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Charges are still pending for the other officers involved.

The city has elected its first white mayor in 31 years, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu.

Landrieu will replace Ray Nagin, the mayor in office during Hurricane Katrina who was elected in 2002 before being reelected during 2006.

Coincidentally Landrieu is the city's first white mayor since his father Moon Landrieu left the post in 1979.

The new elect beat out 10 of his opponents wining by a landslide of 66% and was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that voters decided to “strike a blow for unity.”

Fittingly, the new mayor finished his acceptance speech by leading a crowd in the “Who Dat” cheer in honor of the new Super Bowl champions The New Orleans Saints.

The New Orleans Saints made history with their first ever Super Bowl appearance by beating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was named MVP of the game after setting the Super Bowl record for highest completion percentage and tying Tom Brady's 2004 record for Super Bowl completions.

Good for the city of New Orleans and good for the Saints.

Who dat?

Just five days into the year, those that operate outside of the law are doing things that seem dumber and dumber by the instance.

In another case of dumb criminal meets lucky police, John Turnpaugh of New Orleans had the audacity to call local police and inform them that he had plans to kill President Obama as well as the First Lady.

Secret service agents were promptly notified of the call and traced the 47-year-old mans cell phone using call logs.

Turnpaugh was taken into custody and charged with threatening the president, a charge that was complimented by several local offenses including drug possession and possession of an illegal firearm.

He is scheduled to appear in federal court at the end of this week.

DJ Ro is straight out of the 504 with the Louisiana drawl and persona to go with it. This veteran DJ has been engrossed in the Magnolia state's Hip-Hop scene for two decades and has a firsthand account of how the music scene's grown and changed. This mix-show DJ for Q93 FM sat down with HipHopWired to tell us about the state of Hip-Hop in New Orleans post-Katrina, what 'Bounce music' does to the ladies and who's next to blow in the Big Easy.

Origin: New Orleans, LA-The Lower 9th ward
Current Location: The Westbank of New Orleans (Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina)

Top Ten Playlist

1.Juvenile-"Got To Get it"

HipHopWired: Tell me a little bit about how you got started DJing.

DJ Ro: In the 80s,one of my hobbys was going to the local skating rink in the 9th ward, "SkateLand" on Wednesday nights and they would have DJs like DJ Slick Leo- the 1st Dj to Bring Mixing to New Orleans,Slick Mike,LBJ and my older brother MC Action Jackson. The DJs would be mixing & scratching,it was very exciting. The memory I have that influenced me to become a DJ was when Slick Leo mixed & scratched Tina Marie "Square Biz." He took it from the top over and over and I was amazed!!!

From that point on any stereo equipment i could find around the house I experimented with.Shortly after that with the financial support of my older sister Linda  I formed my first mobile DJ group at age 16. We were the R.D.S. Express which included myself, MC. Doc and DJ Smokey B. who were my boys from the neighborhood.A couple of years later I formed another company "High Fidelity" which included myself,MC. Rocky V. and I would subcontract other DJs, rappers and MCs.

HipHopWired: How'd you get started spinning for Q93?

DJ Ro: I worked hard at marketing my business in the neighborhood and house parties and then school dancers.That was the beginning of DJ Ro becoming a household name in the New Orleans area. Lebron Joseph also known as LBJ at the time was working as a announcer at WQUE FM ( Q 93 ). He knew of my dedication to the art of DJing and he  informed me that the station would be seeking another mixshow disc jockey in the coming  months and i should send air-check tapes,so that's what I did.

I sent mixed tapes to the music director every Tuesday for 4 months before I received a call back. I went live on air with LBJ hosting. I played the same format I would at any house party or school dance and the phone lines lit up!!! As they say,the rest is history,I'm on my 19th year doing Club 93.

HipHopWired: Tell me more about Don't Even Trip Entertainment, what are you doing with that?

DJ Ro: Don't Even Trip is my Entertainment company I use to share my marketing and promotion skills. I also use my company to display new talent through my CDs.

HipHopWired: Let's talk about the Louisiana music scene, are you guys still heavy into bounce music?

DJ Ro: Bounce music is a major part of our Hip Hop scene. The energy level Bounce brings to the club is what makes it special.When dat beat comes on, the hot girlz go crazy, poppin and catching the wall!  Bounce music helps a DJ shine in this market. It's a must to get the party on Bubble!!!

HipHopWired: Who are some artists to look for in Louisiana?

DJ Ro: Lil Wayne,Juvinele,Mannie Fresh,B.G.,Chopper City Boyz,DJ Jubilee,10 Ward Buck,5th Ward Webbie,Detroit,JMS, Gotti Boi Chris,Chopper,Big Freeda,Magnolia Shorty,Skip,Lil Bossie, Webbie, CTC Dank,Merk,C.Murder,Just to name a few...We have a lot of unsigned talent here!!!

HipHopWired: Well on a more serious note, do you see a difference in Louisiana music post Katrina? How has it changed or is it still the same?

DJ Ro: It's not so much of the music being different here in the city.During the storm the city was divided and everyone is in different places which makes it harder for our artists to relay the message that usually would come from our city,our neighborhoods,our overall lifestyle here in New Orleans. I feel when you're not in your roots ,you can't give the message of your people!!! A lot of our artists who are no longer in the city have adopted other lifestyles and are sending messages through their music that their fans back home can't relate to.

HipHopWired: Okay. So you guys are known for your dancing down there, is there a new dance craze we don't know about up here that y'all are doing?

DJ Ro: Bounce music make the Ladies get Wild!!! P. Popping,catching the wall,catching the floor or if your not from here, you probably would refer to it as backing that azz up. That's what we like to see!!!

HipHopWired: Well as a Louisiana DJ, what do you think about all these Louisiana rappers getting locked up? You've got Lil Boosie in jail, Wayne's on the way….

DJ Ro: I personally don't like to see my Hip-Hop family in that situation. We are all in this together trying to keep Hip-Hop alive and feed our families. I wish anyone who is facing jail time seek God and use the time to reflect on better choices. We all make mistakes,It's what you learn from them that gives you a second chance.

HipHopWired: With Lil Wayne being the biggest artist to come out of Louisiana do you see anyone else following in his footsteps?

DJ Ro:Yes, Lil Wayne has accomplished a lot but He is not the last who can achieve that level of success. In fact, for all the people out there...do you think you are you the next Weezy or feel you're better??? Let us take a listen. Email me at  djro504@gmail.com

HipHopWired: Okay, cool.  What do you think about BG getting himself together and getting back on the music scene?

DJ Ro: I am happy to see BG during his thing!!! I met BG with Cash Money in his early stages, he would stay in the car and write while we partied. He was groomed to be a superstar and he keeps it 100.

HipHopWired: Are you working on anything right now? Any mixtapes?

DJ Ro: I'm working on other volume of  "DJ Ro Presents" Anyone can summit songs to me at DJRo504@gmail.com

HipHopWired: Alright Ro,  any last words? Any shoutouts?

DJ Ro: I want to Shout out all my New Orleans people all over the world. Keep the faith and shout as loud as you can, GO SAINTS,THANK YOU GOD!!!

Holla At Cha Boy!

www.q93.com/pages/djroQ93.html
www.djro.com
www.myspace.com/djro504

Starring alongside actors such as Forest Whitaker and fellow rapper/Cash Money member Bow Wow, the Louisiana native was ready to bring the story of Hurricane Katrina to life with the film Hurricane Season.

Unfortunately, the movie has been sent straight to DVD to be picked up at local Blockbuster Video stores across the nation.  The film also sprung a leak as if surfaced, in its entirety, over the Internet on December 13.

Hurricane Season was initially expected to come out sometime in 2010.

Bow Wow reacted, via Twitter, to the movie being leaked to the masses online.

“@TherealTaraji im so mad how they did us in hurricane.  Not letting us know what they was gone fo.  And then next thing its all over the net.”

The film was actually a project that many were excited about in Hollywood.  Linking with director Tim Story, who directed other films such as Barbershop and Fantastic Four, the upcoming project had the green light to go.

Financially, however, the movie was unable to stay afloat as the project was under the Weinstein Studio which was facing countless financial troubles and was being forced to place many of their upcoming films on the shelf. 

Along with a lack of funds, the movie was also considered obsolete with its subject matter of Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath after it hit Louisiana.  Oddly enough, there are many movies that came out long after a national tragedy and were still able to receive a theatrical release.

Almost like the delayed actions after the Hurricane, there seems to be some suspicious business going on behind closed doors. 

Whatever the case may be, fans will still have an opportunity to watch Bow Wow and Lil Wayne, and this time it will be even cheaper to watch.

Watch some of the footage from Hurricane Season here:

Deputies in St. Charles Parish were called to Brown's residence after the attack to whisk her boyfriend away to a local medical facility; he suffered second-degree burns on his arms and face.

A police report revealed that the couple got into a argument on November 7th where Brown alleged that her boyfriend told her that he was breaking up with her, only falling asleep minutes later.

Brown, whom is facing a second-degree battery charge, is being held at Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility.

For Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie, their recent jail sentences, one serving and one pending, have incited an uproar for some in the city of New Orleans as a group of men decided to lead protests on behalf of the rappers to have them freed.

The New Orleans Police Department were given a mighty task Monday as these men felt it necessary to voice their opinion on the recent incarceration of Boosie, as well as, awaiting the sentence for Wayne.

The Times-Picayune reported that off-duty officers spotted men spray-painting the words “Free Lil Wayne” on the side of a building, along with other graffiti.  They also played the role of spectator as the men placed a banner on a separate street which demanded that Boosie, Weezy and all other prisoners that have charges placed against them be freed from confinement.

The group also created a scene by placing police barricades and garbage cans in the street in order to block traffic.

It was reported that the men were without permits to organize such a protest.  Once authorities were contacted, the men were arrested and all were charged with disturbing the peace, resisting arrest by flight and criminal damage to property.

Boosie spoke with HipHopWired before being sentenced to do a 4-year bid where he spoke on the atmosphere that was Louisiana, particularly his own nesting grounds.

“It's crazy…it's a recession, people are hungry man.  Our governor, he an A-Hole, he just turned down damn near millions people to get jobs.  We in a bad predicament.  The court system all messed up they throwing people away.  It's crazy.”

One can only be grateful that the scene did not erupt into violence, but such a scenario illustrates exactly how these artists leave imprints in the lives of those that embrace them.  Whether they are referred to as stans or devoted friends/fans, they are clearly ready to ride out for their team.