Were the Neptunes fronting with "Frontin' "? That's what Peter and David Currin claim in a federal lawsuit filed in Connecticut on Friday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The songwriters say portions of their 1993 song "I'm Frontin' " were used in the Pharrell Williams/ Jay-Z track from the Neptunes' 2003 Clones album. The Currins allege that the lyrics, music and rhythm of their song — which they say they sent in demo form to Diddy — are "substantially similar" to the Neptunes single. Star Trak Entertainment, Arista Records, Sony Music Entertainment, RCA Records, BMG Music and Bad Boy Entertainment are also named as defendants in the copyright infringement claim, which seeks damages, royalties and an injunction to prevent further distribution of the song.

50 CENT TO TAKE ON BAD BOY?

I’m not the only one with rumors. Aside from Maino, Vibe magazine also has some good ones. In the new issue, they say that 50 Cent might be preparing an all-out lyrical assault on Diddy and Bad Boy, because they haven’t been able to get their paperwork together with Ma$e. The source says that Curtis and Mason have completed the Harlem rapper’s debut G-Unit album, but can’t wriggle out of the legalities. Vibe’s VC says that Diddy wants a $2 million lump sum to get Betha out of there, but 50 isn’t willing to pay all that for the rapper-turned-preacher-turned rapper. I suggest they do a joint venture like G-Unit did with Freeway and Roc-A-Fella and we all get paid. I mean, they all get paid.

~ Cassie - "Cassie" - In Stores 8/1!
~ Danity Kane "TBD" - In Stores 8/15!
~ 8Ball & MJG - "Ridin' High" - In Stores 9/26!
~ Diddy - "TBD" - In Stores Soon!
~ Cheri Dennis - "Cheri Dennis" - Coming Soon!

"I was excited to be with Puff. I was going to do a deal with him, but the money he offered was less than what I felt I deserved. Aside from them, JD made a counter offer that was considerably more, but I chose not to take it. Honestly I don't give a f*** about the personality standing next to me. I'm about the money right now and building my fan base," Killer Mike said.

Everybody wants to sign Rakim. In the past year, reports surfaced that Talib Kweli showed interest in signing Rakim Allah. While the legendary lyricist ultimately opted to launch his Raw Records, he admits to being courted by the BK emcee. "We was speaking to them [Blacksmith Entertainment] for a while, good people. They were also getting tracks for me. Their situation at Warner was one of the ones we were looking at," Ra told SOHH.com. Kwe wasn't the only one trying to add Ra to his roster. Word is a few heavy hitters approached the God prior to him signing to Aftermath Records. "Puff wanted to sign me before I went to Cali," Ra revealed. "Master P wanted me to sign No Limit East. But at that time I was more concentrating on my craft, and I figured getting with Dre I won't have to worry about the beats. I can just sit back and do what I have to do."

AllHipHop.com: If you were a part of Dr. Dre’s camp, how did Puffy come into the fold?

Smitty: I was staying out there in California, working with Aftermath and Dre. Meanwhile, I am generating a little bit of a buzz. Again, C-Love and Charlie advocated for me on my behalf. They tell Puffy about how much talent I had during his visit for the taping of Jay Leno, and he wanted to meet me. A few days later, I flew to New York and began working with Puff at Bad Boy. I was an instrumental part of songs such as “Shake Ya Tailfeather” featuring Nelly & Murphy Lee from the Bad Boys 2 Soundtrack and B2K’s “Bump, Bump, Bump.” ...

AllHipHop.com: You have had your share of “almost” and “could have” situations. How did you feel once you were finally signed to J Records?

Smitty: After all that has happened, I had an incredible buzz surrounding me. I was finally beginning to be noticed for the artistry that I exhibited beyond the writing. I was courted by a few labels including Bad Boy Records. However, I signed with J, because Clive Davis showed me the most genuine love. He understands what it takes to make an artist successful. He believes in artist development, but he also believes in actually putting you out an artist. Everything that has happened to me has only made me a stronger person, and if I had to do it all again, I would do things the exact same way.