Tag Archives: Lauryn Hill

Fat Joe Talks About His Tax Troubles

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Fat Joe Talks About His Tax Troubles

Fat Joe pleaded guilty to tax evasion in December, and the hip-hop star was honest about the possible ramifications. In the wake of Lauryn Hill being sentenced to three months for failing to file federal taxes, Joe opened up about his own situation during an appearance on MTV’s “RapFix Live.” “I can’t really explain that ’cause I got a real court case going on, like facing jail time. But I guess after June 24. Hopefully, it goes well,” said Joe. “At the end of the day, I’m paying all the money back that’s owed — actually I have and I’ma just go like a man, stand up.”

“You gotta understand we hire guys who are supposed to have Harvard degrees to take care of us,” he added. “All the time you see artists, the first thing they did to you when you caught money was introduce you to a bunch of fancy guys with bow ties who are gonna take care of your money and all that and then you always see an artist or a celebrity or somebody like that goin’ down for it and these guys never go down for it,” he also said.

via:hiphopblog

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Melanie Fiona Pens Open Letter to Lauryn Hill

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After attending Lauryn Hill’s recent show in Brooklyn, Melanie Fiona was so moved that she expressed her extreme gratitude in an open letter penned to The Fugee’s Queen piece. Take a look below.

I have had many blessed, spiritual, and unforgettable moments in my life… But none more inspiring and life altering than last night. For those of you have ever listened to my music as a full body of work, heard any of my interviews, or have been to any of my live shows… Knows, that Lauryn Hill is a driving force of inspiration in everything I do. There would be no first audition for me if couldn’t sing her version of “his eye is on the sparrow”… There wouldn’t be “Felony Miona”… There wouldn’t be the artist you see today who isn’t afraid to bare her soul about life and love. And last night, I got to tell her that. After seeing her murder the stage…I personally got to express my teary eyed gratitude. A REAL dream come true for me. Lauryn Hill is the true essence of artistry that I aspire to represent… One who can break barriers, colour lines, industry standards, and ignorant minds… All while making amazing heartfelt educated music. My life will never be the same… It will be better… For what I received last night in energy and inspiration will most definitely make me a better artist and woman in this industry. You will feel it. Thank You #LaurynHill… You are singlehandedly, hands down, the greatest to ever do it ALL… Triple Threat… And to inspire a musical generation so starved that we still anticipate any and everything that you will do in the future. With Love, Respect, Support and Gratitude, MF xo

via:2dopeboyz

Lauryn Hill Pays Tax Debt

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Lauryn Hill Pays Tax Debt

Singer/rapper Lauryn Hill has reportedly paid off the tax debt that likely would have sent her to prison for three years. On the day before Hill was due to be sentenced on charges of federal tax evasion, the Grammy winner paid more than $900,000 in taxes and penalties. She is still due to be sentenced Monday, but her sentence is likely to be adjusted due to her having repaid the money. Her attorney stated as much when he made the official announcement to the media that the debt had been covered. ”Ms. Hill has not only now fully paid prior to sentencing her taxes, which are part of her criminal restitution, but she has additionally fully paid her federal and state personal taxes for the entire period under examination through 2009,” her attorney, Nathan Hochman, said via email.

via:hiphopblog

Wyclef Addresses Lauryn Hill’s Situation

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Wyclef Addresses Lauryn Hill's Situation

Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill both rose to fame as members of the Fugees in the late 1990s. But romantic squabbles and creative differences soured their relationship and ended the group. Nonetheless, Clef spoke to “Rap Fix” about Hill’s recent tax issues and the announcement that she has signed a new record deal. “I wish her the best, I think she’s going to have a great album,” Wyclef said. “You’re going to have ups and downs and in the industry.”

“What I learned in the industry is just make sure that you surround yourself with the best people. Not people that’s just gonna tell you what you want to hear, but people that’s going to tell you the truth,” he said. “You develop a God complex. Trust me when I tell you that.”

via:hiphopblog

Lauryn Hill Writes Open Letter

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Check out the letter below:

It has been reported that I signed a new record deal, and that I did this to pay taxes. Yes, I have recently entered into an agreement with Sony Worldwide Entertainment, to launch a new label, on which my new music will be released. And yes, I am working on new music.

I’ve remained silent, after an extensive healing process. This has been a 10+ year battle, for a long time played out behind closed doors, but now in front of the public eye. This is an old conflict between art and commerce… free minds, and minds that are perhaps overly tethered to structure. This is about inequity, and the resulting disenfranchisement caused by it. I’ve been fighting for existential and economic freedom, which means the freedom to create and live without someone threatening, controlling, and/or manipulating the art and the artist, by tying the purse strings.

It took years for me to get out of the ‘parasitic’ dynamic of my youth, and into a deal that better reflects my true contribution as an artist, and (purportedly) gives me the control necessary to create a paradigm suitable for my needs. I have been working towards this for a long time, not just because of my current legal situation, but because I am an artist, I love to create, and I need the proper platform to do so.

The nature of my new business venture, as well as the dollar amount reported, was inaccurate, only a portion of the overall deal. Keep in mind, my past recordings have sold over 50,000,000 units worldwide, earning the label a tremendous amount of money (a fraction of which actually came to me).

Only a completely complicated set of traps, manipulations, and inequitable business arrangements could put someone who has accomplished the things that I have, financially in need of anything. I am one artist who finds value in openly discussing the dynamics within this industry that force artists to compromise or distort themselves and what they do, rather than allowing them to make the music that people need. There are volumes that could (and will) be said.

 

Lauryn Hill Escapes Jail Sentence

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According to our buddy Illseed at AllHipHop.com Lauryn Hill will skate away from her Jail sentence and in turn must hustle hard for Sony Music to earn the new 5 song 1 Million Dollar deal that she just inked. She owed the IRS to the tune of $5o4,000 dollars after not paying her taxes for a few years. She will be able to pay off her debt to the feds and hopefully we will get some amazing music in the interim! Let us remember that Lauryn has not put out an entire album since 2002, so this has been a long time coming. Good for Sony Music! We don’t care how we get to hear her, we’re just glad that we do, and that she isn’t going to have to go to jail before we do it!

via:theurbandaily

Lauryn Hill Signs New Record Deal, Tax Evasion Sentencing Delayed

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Reports TMZ:

Lauryn Hill just bought herself a couple weeks of freedom.

The R&B legend was to be sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty to blowing off her 2005-2007 tax returns … but the sentencing was moved to May 6 to give Lauryn a chance to repay a chunk of her $968,000 tax debt. Hill’s attorney said the singer recently signed a million-dollar recording deal with Sony … she was also planning to take out a $650,000 loan to put toward the bill. Hill faces several years in prison … but her attorney is hoping for probation.

A pricey new record deal would certainly help L Boogie’s cause that she’ll be able to pay Uncle Sam all their dough if she is able to drop a new album and tour. Late last year she hit the road with Nas for the “Life Is Good/Black Rage” tour. ”Black Rage” was the name of a single that Ms. Hill was thought to be dropping. However,  that has not happened as of yet.

via:hiphopwired.com