HOUSTON BACK IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT!!!!!

PR GURU OMAR WILSON FROM RAP-A-LOT RECORDS SAYS:

This Sunday make sure you check out "The Chop Up." It's BET News' hot new magazine show and this week it features a special report you won't want to miss!!
"HOUSTON SCREWS THE WORLD"
We travel to the epicenter of the Southern hip hop movement, talk to its biggest stars and investigate the socio-political and cultural stew that powers this city's hip hop scene.
After the report, we'll pay tribute to Houston legend Big Hawk... may he rest in peace.
"The Chop Up" airs this Sunday at 11.30am and 8.30pm EST... that's two chances to watch... only on BET!!

SHE'S MORE THAN JUST A RADIO D-J!!!!!

SOUTHERN STILETTO'S IN STORES NOW!!!!

Congratulations to 97.9's Brandi Garcia. The radio personality is releasing a mix tape album. The album is called Southern Stiletto's. The album can be picked up at stores around the city and in the region. Her new album includes everyone from Busta Rhymes to Juelz Santana. Brandi is on the air at 97-9 the boxx from 10pm - 2am Monday - Friday. Take a listen and grab her album. Brandi was also voted the 2006 SEA female d-j of the year...

SLADE'S CRIB CAN BE YOURS FOR $1.8 MILLION!!!!!

THE HOUSE AT THE CENTER OF THE STORM!!!!!

The house at the center of Texas Southern University's spending scandal is on the market for more than $1.8 million. Priscilla Slade listed the sprawling, Mediterranean-style house near Memorial Park on Tuesday, four days after suing the school's governing board over its decision to fire her as president. The Coldwell Banker United Realtors listing describes the 6,000-square-foot house as "palatial" and touts two amenities — "meticulously landscaped lot" and "state-of-the- art security and media system" — that drew particular criticism from her bosses.
The two-story house, on 17,675 square feet at Memorial and Terrace drives, has four bedrooms, a media room, high ceilings and travertine floors, with a veranda, pool and spa in the backyard. Houston architect Robert Dame designed it. Slade has lived in the newly constructed house for less than five months.

HOUSTON GEARING UP FOR THE ESSENCE FEST!!!!

WHERE WILL YOU BE FOR THE ESSENCE FEST!!!!

The Insite has obtained this first evidence of what Houston has instore for the Essence Fest that will invade the city in July. As we first reported several weeks ago Houston rapper Willie D will play a vital role in preparation for the event. Here's an advance look at the upscale event he has planned for Essence Fest week. As many of you know after Katrina hit New Orleans the highly successful R&B event The Essence fest had no home. So the producers of the show packed up their bags and moved the event to Houston. Will you be there????

MAY IS BROADCASTING MONTH ON YELLOW MAGAZINE!!!!

ON THE GLOSSY COVER OF THE MAGAZINE!!!

Congratulations to all the Houston female broadcasters who made the cover of Yellow Magazine. It's a publication aimed at bilingual Asian Americans in the Houston area. The magazine celebrated the release of their May issue Thursday night at the Downtown Aquarium. On the cover are Priscilla Quan, Miya Shay, Jan Jeffcoat, Shern-Min Chow and Chau Nguyen...Congratulations you all deserve this positive exposure.

DID THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT REALLY DO THAT!!!

HPD???: BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!!!







The Houston Police Department is coming under fire after it was revealed in federal court Thursday that homicide detectives allegedly used extreme tactics to try and get the family of little Kendrick Jackson to talk. The 3 year old boy has been missing since early April. His father Roderick Fountain is the main suspect in the case. And while Fountain was attempting to get released from federal custody on a weapons charge his defense attorney claimed HPD detectives showed Roderick, his wife and Kendrick's step mother Tish, and Fountains uncle Leonard Patrick an empty baby's casket. The family says HPD believes they know where the missing child is and showed them the baby's coffin as a scare tactic. However, HPD refused to comment. The head of homicide told The Insite he's not going to say if they did or didn't use a baby's casket to scare information out of the family. Captain Dale Brown says if the family has a problem with the alleged claim file a complaint or take them to court. The question for the Insite readers is Did HPD go to far???

THE H-TOWN BREAK UP!!!!

THEY USED TO MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER!!!!!

Houston's hip hop couple has made it public that they have called it quits. For a time Slim Thug and former Destiny Child member Letoya Luckett seemed inseperable. In all the local nightspots and high profile events together. Even making music together. But the Thugger confirmed he and Letoya have gone their seperate ways. Slim says "I've closed that chapter in my life." This comes just as Luckett is about to release her first major solo album nationwide in July. No word from Letoya's camp on where she stand with the big H-Town break up.

DIAMOND GRILLZ AT THE ENRON CRIMINAL TRIAL!!!!

TRAE CROSSES PATHS WITH ENRON FOUNDER KEN LAY!!!!

Houston up and coming rapper Trae made a stop by the Enron criminal trial on Tuesday. He was there waiting to do an interview with The Insite on the death of his good friend and former rap partner Big Hawk. Because I couldn't move the camera until Ken Lay walked out of the courtroom Trae had to hang out and enjoy the scandal ridden and accounting sites of Enron. Grilled up and blinged out the rapper with a major hit on Houston radio (Swang) said as Ken Lay walked out of the federal building "is that him?" The Insite really appreciates the artist patience who actually waited for nearly a hour with record label exec "Kerry" for his interview which aired on FOX Wednesday morning. The interview was to let the public know that Trae of Rap-a-Lot/Asylum records was setting up a fund to help Big Hawk's family which includes a wife and 3 children. If you would like to donate contact Bank of America and ask for the John Hawkins fund.

ENRON TRIAL UP AND COMING CELEBRITY SIGHTING!!!

HE'S TAKING A LOT OF NOTES DURING THE ENRON TRIAL!!!!!

Sitting studiously in the Enron criminal trial's fourth floor overflow courtroom is George Hittner. The lawyer who recently made a run for the city council seat in district C. Hittner is the son of federal judge David Hittner who's courtroom is about 3 floors above where his son is hanging on to every word of testimony in the criminal trial of Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling.

HE'S WORKED WITH MICHAEL JACKSON AND DIRECTED THE HORROR MOVIE STIGMATA - NOW HE'S IN HOUSTON!!!

BEHIND THE SCENES OF MORE NATIONAL EXPOSURE FOR HOUSTON!!!!


The Insite has learned Houston is the site for Hollywood director Rupert Wainwright shooting of Wal-Mart’s national Hispanic World Cup commercial. He was hired by Houston's own Lopez Negrete Communications to direct the national spot, which will feature more than 80 local cast members and extras. Wainwright’s credits include the horror flick Stigmata, Michael Jackson’s $6M Prague music video, and numerous brand advertisements such as Reebok, Sega and Sprite.

SLAIN HOUSTON RAPPER'S KILLLER STILL ON THE LOOSE!!!!

UPDATED INFORMATION ON BIG HAWK!!!!

Big Hawk, a Houston rapper whose 2001 album reached No. 45 on Billboard's rap chart, was shot to death according to HPD. Hawk, whose real name was John Edward Hawkins, was a member of the late DJ Screw's rap collective the Screwed Up Click and brother to rapper Fat Pat, who was killed in 1998. Hawk had planned to meet a friend Monday night but apparently arrived before the friend and walked to the side of the house where he was shot several times, police said. He died at the scene. Police do not have a suspect and their only lead involves a witness who saw a white compact car with tinted windows nearby shortly after the shooting according to HPD spokesman John Cannon. Hawk, 36, scored a regional hit with 2002's "You Already Know'' and was recently featured on the popular single "Swang'' by Trae that included a posthumous contribution from Hawk's brother. His 2001 self-titled album reached No. 45 on Billboard's list of top R&B and rap albums.

THE INSITE MEETS GEORGE CLINTON!!!!

THE ATOMIC DOG IN HOUSTON, TX!!!!

The Insite ran into Funkadelic King George Clinton during a lunch break from the Enron criminal trial...These camera phone pictures were snapped at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service center.

ENRON TRIAL CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS!!!!

KEN LAY'S CIRCLE OF POWERFUL FRIENDS IN HOUSTON!!!!


Three very prominent and famous Houstonians are in the main Enron trial courtroom Tuesday. They include Astro's owner Drayton McLane, former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier and Wheeler Avenue Baptist and civil rights legend Rev. Williams A. Lawson. They're all good friends of Ken Lay who's on trial for conspiracy and fraud. They will serve as character witnesses for the emabttled business executive. In other words, they're here to say good things about him...The question is will it work????

ANOTHER FORM OF SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION FOR THE INSITE!!!

THEY SAY I'M WORKING FOR YOU!!!!


FYI - Isiah Carey working for you.
----- Original Message -----

From: Another Blogger
To: Bob Martin
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 9:26 AM

Subject: RE: BREAKING NEWS AT 12:48 A.M.TUESDAY!!!!

I tuned into the end of KPRC'S morning show and they said, “We’ll have more on that Houston rapper that died later.” Never said his name. I then went to the Insite and sure enough there it was. I know where to turn to for all of my hip hop needs.

ANOTHER COMMENT FROM INSITE READER:

Why is this breaking news (Fire in New York) and yet a Houston rapper being shot to death isn't. Go figure. I guess it is because KHOU did not have video of the shooting.

BREAKING NEWS AT 12:48 A.M.TUESDAY!!!!

RAPPER SHOT AND KILLED????

Sources tell The Insite that long time Houston rapper Hawk of the group The Screwed Up Click was shot and killed late Monday night. Details are sketchy at best but
Insiders say the shooting happened near Redfern and Orem here in Houston and Hawk was pronounced dead after the tragic incident. The group's last album was Making History released in 2005 on EQ Entertainment. Hawk is the individual in the white shirt. No word if a suspect has been apprehended. No solid confirmation from the Houston Police Department on this case as of yet. The Insite will keep you updated on the latest information....

WAS THAT A COP'S BULLET THAT JUST FLEW BY MY HEAD!!!!

WERE CIVILIANS IN DANGER OF BEING HIT BY A STRAY BULLET?????

Johnny McFarland with HPD's Fraternal Order of Police says HPD is probing whether stray bullets have made it out of their outside shooting range on Aldine-Westfield Road in North Houston. McFarland says a bullet from the police shooting range may have hit a civilian's car outside the facility and so HPD closed their shooting range on April 28 according to an internal memo The Insite has been privy to. However, the memo simply states the range was closed on the 28th for repairs. But McFarland says there should be a more thorough investigation because if the range closes then it will cost you the taxpayer more money while inconveniencing police officers. He says officers under state law are required to be certified on discharging their weapons once a year. McFarland says with the firing range closed HPD will now have to find another site while spending more of your tax dollars. The Insite called HPD for a response but as of Monday the department is still investigating.

FIRST SEEN ON FOX 26 NEWS AT 9PM...

THE GRILLZ EXPANSION!!!!

BLING BLING BLING!!!!!!!!!

Houston's claim to the bling fame is jewelry store owner TV Johnny. And his jewelry business has been so successful that he has expanded his store with a new and improved location in Sharpstown Mall in Houston. The Grand Opening was last weekend but The Insite was out of town and could not make it. However, The Insite was told Monday night by TV Johnny Dang that he has become the number one hip hop jeweler in the country. He says his clients include everyone from Snoop Dogg to his Houston based business partner rapper Paul Wall. So if you're in the market for a grill you may want to stop by his new shop in the Sharpstown Mall.

THE ATOMIC DOG MAKES A STOP IN THE BAYOU CITY!!!!

WHAT IS GEORGE CLINTON DOING IN HOUSTON?????

The Insite had a chance to speak with a living legend Monday night via phone. George Clinton "The Atomic Dog" tells The Insite he's in town to do his thing. And doing his thing is giving back to the community. Clinton, the funk legend, has been going to various neighborhoods in the community inspiring the young and the old...he's also been volunteering. Monday night he was accompanied by city councilman Michael Berry for dinner. The Insite (and I'm shamelessly bragging now) was invited but I had to say no because I have to get up early to cover the Enron trial Tuesday. You may be wondering why Clinton chose Houston as a volunteer stop - it's because his manager lives here in town. Keep reading, I hope to have more local pictures and something on tv real soon.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NED HIBBERD AND FAMILY!!!!

LIL' NED HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!

Reporter Ned Hibberd is now the proud father of a baby son. Little Teddy Hibberd was born last week to Ned and his wife Danielle. They are very excited to have their first child in the family. We send them a very heartfelt congratulations!!!!

ENRON TRIAL CELEBRITY SIGHTING OF THE DAY!!!!

BOB: ENRON IS VERY INTERESTING!!!!


You all have watched him on all the local channels in Houston. If you're rich enough he might have even done your taxes...Houston Accounting Guru Bob Martin made a stop at the Enron criminal trial Monday. Bob says the accounting aspect of the trial is very interesting to him. He's also a good friend of Rev. Ed Young of Second Baptist who will be a character witness for Ken Lay. Bob says he will be back in court on Tuesday.

NEW ORLEANS EVACUEE IS SHOWN THE DOOR AT FEDERAL COURT!!!!

SOME EXCITEMENT OUTSIDE THE ENRON TRIAL!!!!!




A New Orleans man who was at federal court in downtown Houston to file a lawsuit learned about some Texas justice. The man, who's name wasn't released, allegedly became belligerent with federal security at the court house. The marshals on several occasions say they politely asked the man to leave but he refused. The marshals say when he raised a finger at someone in the courthouse they had no choice but to put him out by force. You can see the man being forced out of the door. He knocked the tie off one of the marshals and motions at another one and that's when one of the security officers grabbed him by the throat and took him down. He was later arrested and taken inside with handcuffs. The Insite was able to capture these pictures while outside on a break from the Enron trial. I'm sure Ken Lay, on the 9th floor of the federal building, never heard a peep of the hot exchange on the first floor. By the way, the unidentified man was at the court house to file a lawsuit against some Houston hotels that he claims have discriminated against New Orleans evacuees. Not sure if he was able to file his paperwork.

HISPANICS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS AT EACH OTHERS THROATS!!!!

MADD HATTA'S SHOW REVEALS THE SADDER SIDE OF HOUSTON!!!!

It was sad to listen to the radio this morning while I was driving in to work. On 97.9's morning show with Madd Hatta, Nnete and Jimbo there was a hot topic that all of us are dealing with in Houston and other major cities around the country. A Day Without Immigrants. By now you know what this is so I'm not gonna explain it again. But on the show - which I consider one of the best in the city - blacks and Hispanics were venomous towards each other. They called in and let their true feelings be known. Some of the African American callers said they felt like Hispanics didn't pay any taxes while forcing Americans to learn Spanish and they don't contribute to society except maintaining a lawn. Some of the Hispanic callers fired back saying African Americans only sit on their butts and collect welfare and they didn't contribute to society. It is unfortunate when two minority groups are at each others throats like this. It sends a message that we all have a very long way to go. Now that the morning show has revealed this deep divide it's time we all deal with the issue before it festers and becomes a serious conflict...

DRIVING TO WORK MONDAY WAS A PIECE OF CAKE!!!!

DRIVING INTO DOWNTOWN HOUSTON WAS NEVER EASIER!!!!





I don't know if it was The Day Without Immigrants but driving to work in Houston Monday morning was a piece of cake. It was a pleasure driving down I-45 and not running into heavy congestion. My question is: Was this the result of hundreds possibly thousands of immigrants not going to work? Monday has been set aside as a day immigrants would stay home to protest the treatment undocumented workers are getting from proposed legislation out of Washington, D.C. However, I notice when I got downtown many of the immigrants who work at the Parks Department facility across from the federal courthouse were out at work. Also at the Shell gas station in my neighborhood the nice Hispanic woman who works there also showed up for work so I'm not quite sure how impactful the stay at home day will be...

WHAT IS MEXICO THINKING???????

AMERICAN TEENS: MOM AND DAD, CAN I GO DOWN TO MEXICO AFTER GRADUATION??? I PROMISE I WON'T DO ANYTHING ILLEGAL....

This is one of those oh my God stories. The Insite first read it in San Antonio this past weekend. It makes you drop your jaw. Mexico's Congress approved a bill Friday decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin for personal use. The only remaining step was the signature of President Vicente Fox, whose office indicated he would sign it. Supporters said the law would let police focus on drug smuggling, rather than on busting casual users. The bill also would stiffen many drug-related penalties: for trafficking, for possession near schools, and for possession of even small quantities by government employees.
Criminal penalties for drug sales would remain on the books. So all the American kids who go to get drunk in Mexico now have the option of getting high totally without breaking the law. What do you think about this? Outrageous or not?

A DAY WITHOUT HISPANICS TO HIT HOUSTON!!!!

HISPANICS TAKE OFF MONDAY!!!!!



Expect thousands of Hispanic workers in Houston to take the day off Monday. They're protesting the proposed legislation that would make illegal immigrants felons. They're hoping to send a message to the US government and local businesses showing them just how important they are to day to day operations in the states. Macario Ramirez (above) is a long time activist. And he's closing his folk art gallery in The Heights on Mondayin support of the immigrant movement. Ramirez says it's important that all Americans realize the contribution Hispanics make in this country. How do you feel about the Monday protest?????

IF YOU THOUGHT YOUR MOM WAS STRICT!!!!!

I BET YOU WON'T STEAL AGAIN!!!!!!


I rarely read or even consider posting a forward from the email but I thought this said volumes about this mother who don't want her son to go down the wrong path!!!!!

CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURES!!!

THE INSITE MAKES A VISIT TO SAN ANTONIO!!!

SAN ANTONIO'S BUSY DOWNTOWN!!!!


The Insite spent this weekend in San Antonio and while the city is significantly smaller than Houston their downtown has ours beat. Lots of activities on Saturday and Sunday during the day for the whole family. While Houston's downtown is attempting to make a comeback at night - there is limited activity during the day on weekends except for scheduled festivals...Houston could get a lot of pointers on how to build a thriving downtown from San Antonio and it's busy Riverwalk.

VALENTINE HAS NEW MATERIAL ON THE WAY!!!

BROOKE TEAMS UP WITH PIMP C FOR NEW VIDEO!!!!

Virgin records executive tell The Insite Houston's own Brooke Valentine will soon be releasing a new song and video...This comes on the amazing success of her freshman effort and radio hit "Girl Fight". Valentine was in Houston last week shooting a video with UGK member Pimp C for her latest single. No word yet when the video will be on BET or MTV. But expect an interview soon with Valentine on tv and The Insite.