In his first interview in months, Dr. Dre says his years-in-the-works album "Detox" should be out before the end of the year.

"I'm just now -- over the last couple of months -- starting to feel that it's going to be right and it's something I can be proud of, and everybody is going to love it," the rapper/producer told USA Today. "In a perfect world, I'm shooting for a November or December release."

Dre is particular enthused by the drum work on the new album, most of which is derived from live instrumentation. "We have an entirely new thing going with the drums that's incredible, and we're still developing that," he said. Guest appearances are on tap from Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Nas, among others.

While his only response thus far is a freestyle sent to MTV News saying he's "laughing at [the] blogs," Rick Ross is apparently standing by his denial that he previously worked as a prison guard — in the wake of documents posted on the TheSmokingGun.com that purportedly expose the MC's past employment as an officer for the Florida Department of Corrections.

The Smoking Gun's report claims that in 1995, at the age of 19, Ross (born William Leonard Roberts) started a career as a prison guard, earning a salary of $22,913.54. He reportedly held the position for 18 months. The rapper's Social Security number is the same as the one listed for the jail guard on documents giving to the site by D.O.C. spokesperson Jo Ellyn Rackleff. A photo of what looks likes a younger Ross in full uniform was also posted on the Web site and is said to have been taken at his graduation from the D.O.C. academy...

One of the most renowned and continually relevant hip-hop emcees of all time, GZA returns with his long awaited fifth solo album, "ProTools." An original member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, GZA has established himself as a perennial force in hip-hop over his 13+ year solo career. Recently, GZA's contributions have driven the phenomenal success of the 2008 Wu-Tang Clan reunion album "8 Diagrams" as well as two of independent hip-hop's recent flagship releases: Think Differently Music: "Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture" and the DJ Muggs/GZA collaboration "Grandmasters."

a single curse word), GZA gives it to us "burnt & crispy..."

"I just want everyone to know that it's coming out and that I'm going to answer a lot of questions in the music," the ATL-based rapper says of "PAPER TRAIL." "It's intense and insightful; it's gonna shake up the game and it's me at my best."

"PAPER TRAIL" has been heralded by the street track, "No Matter What," on which T.I. directly addresses his current life situation. The track -- produced by Danjahandz (Timbaland, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Danity Kane) -- has been building momentum organically, scoring major airplay at Urban and Rhythmic radio outlets nationwide. The song's companion video is now in "Medium" rotation at BET and in "Heavy" rotation on the network's "Rap City." At MTV, "No Matter What" is in rotation across the spectrum, including MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, and MTV Jams (where it was recently "Jam of the Week")...

We've got three new songs for ya'll today.

First up is from GZA, tacking shots at 50 Cent in "Paper Plate".

Next up is a new single from Three-6 Mafia. "That's Right" featuring Akon is a banger!

Last but not lease is a track from Spectacula's upcoming mixtape "Classic Music". The song is done over the same sample as Kayne West's "Touch the sky".

Read full story to get all three tracks...

Warner Bros. recording artist Lil' Scrappy is currently held without bail at the Dekalb County Jail in Decatur, GA, following a late night altercation that left the young artist stabbed, but in stable condition.

While details of his arrest remain sketchy, AllHipHop.com has confirmed that the 24-year-old rapper, born Darryl Richardson, has been charged with firearm possession during a crime, marijuana possession, battery and obstruction of officers...

Yet more Eminem studio news now, as another source has claimed the rapper is working on his next record.

Bishop Lamont tells EW that the rapper was devastated after his friend Proof was killed in 2006, and a lot of that anger and pain his gone back into the new material:

"He went through what he had to go through," says Lamont, "and now he's been able to take all the pain and stress and put it out in his music..."