Rapper G-Dep confesses to murder, unaware victim died: Some 17 years after the October 1993 murder of John Henkel, rapper G. Dep (real name Trevell Coleman) has confessed to the crime after years of guilt and drug addiction. However, after his admission, the rapper learned from the NYPD that Henkel died, a fact he was unaware of. Now Coleman has been charged with murder and faces life in prison. Coleman is best known for signing with Bad Boy Records in 1999, and signed with Famous Records last August. [LINK]
Charles Hamilton arrested in hometown of Cleveland: There's no denying that rapper Charles Hamilton has had a rough go of things recently. From being dropped by Interscope Records in 2009 to the Dilla controversy. Now, after a visit back to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and an arrest for assaulting a police officer, things are looking even worse for the 23-year-old. On the bright side, at least he's not MC Hammer. [LINK]
South by Southwest 2011 confirms more acts: Every year, the music industry swoops in on Austin, Texas for a week of amazing music. And while every year the enormous lineup impresses fans and insiders alike, this year's confirmed list of acts seem especially important. With artists like Toro y Moi, Erykah Badu, Das Racist, and more already announced, our advice to you is starting saving those pennies right now. [LINK]
Gorillaz iPad album gets a tracklist, release details: In case you were wracked with questions about the upcoming Gorillaz iPad-created album The Fall, the band has happily cleared a few things up. First, the album will be available for streaming on Xmas, and only those enrolled in their Sub Division fan club can download the album (legally, of course). The LP will feature 15 tracks, "some with vocals, some without, some combined performances and some solo", and will also have a physical release sometime in 2011. There, all caught up. [LINK]
50 Cent launches G Note Records: Between his activity on Twitter, 50 Cent has somehow found time to start up a new subsidiary in G Note Records. The label's first signee is Arizona rapper Hot Rod, who's decidedly non-gangster dance-pop song "Dance With Me" is out now. The label will focus on pop and R&B acts. Could this mean a softer, less violent 50? We'll raise our Vitamin Water to that. [LINK]
Check Complex every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for music news brought to you by Consequence of Sound.
