Travis Barker & DJ AM Escapes from Plane

West Columbia, SC – The tragic plane crash that occurred last week that held celebrity drummer, Travis Barker and DJ AM, lost two of their friends and business associates. The plane crash occurred around midnight last Friday, an investigation into the accident further explains what actually happened for the plane to burst in flames.

As the story into the accident develops further, one of deputies that first arrived on the scene spoke to people.com explaining his experiences as he arrived to the burning plane. Lieutenant Josh Shumpert of the South Carolina police department commented on the situation.

“[The two] told me that they slid down the wing on the right side of the plane. They said they were on fire and that they tackled each other and put each other out. When I got there they were on the side of the road, they were pacing and in shock. Travis was very shaken up.”

He described Barker and AM’s clothing as they were stunned after the whole accident.

“Travis was wearing some kind of shorts and no shirt, adding that Goldstein (AM) was wearing shorts or boxers as well. Travis had one sock on. And a black hat on his head.”

According to Federal Investigators, the cause of the accident occurred before takeoff, apparently one of the tires burst in upon liftoff. The pilot on board tried to abort but could not keep control of the plane. Both pilots alongside Chris Baker, Barker’s friend and personal assistant, and Charles Still, his bodyguard, died at the scene.

At press time, both artists were taken to Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia. They are currently in the recovery ward and doctors say they will be released soon. Travis Barker’s clothing company, Famous Stars and Straps, has established a memorial fund for the families of Baker and Still.

24hourhiphop.com sends our deepest condolences to the Baker and Still family in their time of peril. We all hope that Travis and AM make a speedy recovery. I just have one question, what happened to the memorial funds for both pilots?

Jay-Z Launches New Label with Stargate Productions

New York, NY – The legendary Hip-Hop mogul and practically the number two richest cash king in Hip-Hop ranked by Forbes magazine has been making big moves as of late. Apparently Jay-Z’s latest venture after signing one of the biggest contracts in music history with Live Nation has been launching a new label with Norwegian R&B super production team Stargate. As we are aware, the contract that signed between Live Nation and Jay-Z included a hefty amount containing $150 million deal spanning over a period of 10 years.

The production team consisting of Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen comprise the Grammy award-winning producers. They’ve given us hits with artists like Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Beyonce. Between both Jay-Z and Stargate they’ve managed to launch their own label entitled StarRoc. The label will be housed in Jay’s Manhattan Roc the Mic studio and will include development of new talent with record sales, touring, and merchandising, practically what any other normal label would provide. The partnership is a joint venture on a 50/50 percentile between Stargate and Jay’s Roc Nation.

At press time, Hov is currently working on his 11th studio album, ‘The Blueprint 3’ slated to be released sometime towards the end of this year. It has also been considered be his last album for his longtime record label, Def Jam.

You got to give it to him; Jay-Z is a genius when it comes to business. The talent that the heavyweight production team possesses releases hit after hit without any problems. They know their music. And at the same time StarRoc seems like a catchy yet interesting name. I’m actually expecting to see what comes out this project; hopefully it comes out in their best interests.

DMX Hospitalized for ‘Fear of Stoke’

Miami, FL. – In yet another news report concerning DMX and his exploits, how about this time instead was being arrested, he’s been hospitalized due to chest pains that he diagnosed as ‘fear of a stroke.’

According to TMZ.com, X was rushed to the emergency room sometime Sunday morning. DMX’s attorney recently spoke to MTV News concerning his medical situation. Ironically, he just so happened to miss his court date in Arizona.

This is what was said by his lawyer.

“I don’t know the cause, but I know that he’s still hospitalized and that they’ve admitted him and won’t be releasing him for a couple more days.”

At press time, DMX has been freed on $25,000 in the state of Florida and was awaiting trial in Arizona where his cruelty to animal charges is still pending. His next court date has been set for sometime next Monday.

On the real, I just think X is trying to avoid appearing in court all together, so using the ‘fear of stroke’ measure isn’t working out on his best interest. Hopefully this all turns out great in his next upcoming court date.