Rapper Rick Ross and producer Swizz Beatz made a surprise appearance at Carol City Senior High School, in Carol City Florida.

The rap star appeared at his alma mater, where he donated iPads to the high school, for students to use.

Inspired by his humble beginnings in Jamaica Queens, New York, starkly contrasted from his now larger than life G-Unit empire, 50 Cent has made efforts over the last few years to embrace those who are less fortunate.

From his trips to Africa, to his Street King Energy drink charity initiatives, 50 Cent has ramped up his efforts to help those in need.

50 Cent had a round of press set for Tuesday and Wednesday to push his new mixtape, but a stomach virus forced the mogul to go to the hospital.

The New York native tweeted, “I don’t want to go into surgery. @FloydMayweather call my phone why your phone off.”

Atlanta rapper and self proclaimed “King of the South,” T.I. took to New York’s Hot 97 with DJ Drama at his side this week to announce the release date of his upcoming project titled, Trouble Man.

The album follows up T.I.’s New Year’s Eve mixtape called F*ck the City Up, and will be his eighth official release and first full length album since being freed from prison in late September 2011.

Rakim has announced his upcoming Canadian tour, featuring special guest Conscience and presented by Good Friday and Clockwork Music.

The tour kicks off in Montreal, QC on May 17th at Underworld, with additional stops planned for Ottawa, ON, Saskatoon, SK and Nelson, BC. The quick trek concludes at Vancouver, BC’s Fortune Sound on May 27th.

Waka Flocka has added Haitian Fresh to his growing roster of artists after the signee was an upstart with former Fugee Wyclef Jean.

“Haitian Fresh is up next,” said Waka Flocka, who heads up the Brick Squad Monopoly. “He’s got a new EP and a hot new single about to drop. He’s definitely earned it, and we’re excited to welcome him to the group.”

Outspoken and politically charged Atlanta rapper Killer Mike releases his sixth full length project today (May 15).

The project’s name, R.A.P. Music, is an acronym for Rebellious African People Music, and it exclusively utilizes the production talents of indie Hip-Hop legend El-P, founder of Def Jux.

New Orleans native and YMCMB recording artist Mystikal has announced plans to release a new mixtape, Origins, on July 30 that will feature brand-new music from the man behind such records as “Danger (Been So Long),” “Shake Ya *ss”, and “Bouncin’ Back.”

Michael “Mystikal” Tyler checked into a Louisiana jail earlier this morning (May 14), according to TMZ, which is where the rapper will serve an 81-day prison sentence for a domestic abuse charge that occurred in February.

Chris Brown has officially been added to a lineup of over 10 performers who will grace the stage at next weekend’s Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas.

The 2012 awards show, which is hosted by “Modern Family” stars Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, is set to include performances from the likes of Justin Beiber, Usher, Cee-Lo Green, LMFAO, Linkin Park, and more, with additional acts to be announced in the coming days.

Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z is slated to appear in Philadelphia later today (May 14), where he will announce the new Made in America Festival.

The rapper will supposedly make the announcement with Mayor Michael Nutter later today, in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum.