Just in time to thwart the promotional push for Young Jeezy’s Thug Motivation III… Gucci Mane was released from a Fulton County Jail this morning and stepped foot into his newfound freeedom.

Yeah, he really read a prepared statement and really changed “streets” to “skreetz” as ‘thank you’s’ and ‘promises to bring substance to the game?” rolled off his tongue… and into video streams that have inundated the Internet by now.

In any scenario, it’s good to see a brutha out after six months. A correctional facility is not the spot.

That said, it’s almost like he was still here with all the remixes and guest appearances (”Whip It Up” knocks!). Add to that he communicated his dissatisfaction with management from the joint, his intent on working with said individual’s son AND we never heard about him bearing contraband; it’s safe to say he was a model inmate.

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The pipeline from The West Coast to the South is a fixed one and the Cali Picnic is a glowing testament to it.

With a history that spans from the early to mid ‘90’s, what was once a daylong celebration at Washington Park, eventually turned into a full weekend for California natives in and out of college.

At the height of its impressive run, the Cali Picnic was on par with Freaknik and in some respects, seized the popularity and lure of the once monstrous event.

Since original players from the official collegiate organization, “The Cali Club,” graduated and moved on, the relevance of the Cali Picnic dwindled and all but disappeared, until its resurgence and 15th year anniversary in 2009.

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Atlanta rapper T.I. was officially been released from a low-security federal prison in Forrest City, Arkansas today (December 22).

The rapper, born Clifford Harris Jr., is expected to report to Dismas Charities Atlanta West correctional center tonight, where he will spend three months.

T.I. was sentenced to 366 days in prison after an October 2007 incident, in which federal agents caught him attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers.

After he has finished his stay at Dismas Charities Atlanta West, the rapper must complete 500 hours of community service, in addition to another 23 days of house arrest.

T.I. is expected to work during the three months he is confined to the halfway house, according to reports.

All Hip Hop

Known for his penchant to get the party started, Lil Jon’s brand of crunk music has incited most pit like frenzies across the country and the world. As he readies his heavily anticipated solo album, Crunk Rock, it’s that feeling of neck-breaking nostalgia he’d like to bring back to the forefront of hip hop culture.

Slated for a November 24th release, Crunk Rock will unsurprisingly feature a bevy of rappers to complement the accomplished producer’s raucous beats. Among them is long time collaborator Ice Cube, Souja Boy, Akon, R. Kelly, Pastor Troy and the Ying Yang Twins.

“It’s not just dealing with crunk music and rock —” it’s basically a lifestyle,” Lil Jon notes. “Living life to the fullest, getting crazy, getting crunk and just partying… I’m just trying to make everybody have fun and make ‘em dance again. Because in rap, people stopped partying. You go to a hip-hop party and people just stand around trying to look hard and cool. I want people to wild out and sweat and mosh pit again.”

After a plethora of hits and albums as the front man of Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Crunk Rock will be the Atlanta native’’s solo debut.

As has become the custom in years past, Ludacris took over Atlanta this past Labor Day Weekend and among the parties and special events, his philanthropic efforts shone brightest. In an effort to help stimulate the community he was born from, Luda gave away 20 cars to deserving citizens of Atlanta.

Over 4,000 essays were submitted to his foundation at 300 words a pop and the winners were awarded based on necessity and obvious struggle.

”People are getting laid off, and now are looking for jobs,” Ludacris said. ”To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That’s why I wanted to give back to those who need it.”

Among the most memorable essays Ludacris read was Mading Duor’s of Sudan. He basically lost his entire family five years ago before moving to Atlanta with his son and eventually lost him to a car accident involving a drunken driver.

“His story touched my heart,” said Ludacris. “He’s endured so much in his life and he’s still here standing. I’m very proud to have helped him.”