News

A new audio recording may shed some light on the events leading up to the murder of Israel Ramirez, a security guard for Busta Rhymes who was shot and killed outside of a video shoot in Brooklyn on Feb. 5th. The shooting purportedly involved a heated argument between producer Swizz Beats, G-Unit member Tony Yayo and members of the Ruff Ryders. Despite public pressure from investigators, Rhymes and Yayo have thus far refused to talk with the police.

In the meantime, it has been reported that the altercation stemmed from creative differences during the video shoot; namely, that members of G-Unit were being shut out from appearing in it. Further frustrating investigators, the person who has the recording is also not cooperating with them, instead slapping a $50,000 price tag on the possible evidence and shopping it to the media. If the stonewalling continues, a grand jury could be used to force people to talk -- or face charges.

According to media sources that have reviewed a portion of a transcript, the recording confirms that Yayo was a central figure in the pre-shooting fracas, and that Rhymes was attempting to play peacemaker.

Interscope, the label home for Busta Rhymes, is taking the “show must go on” approach, slating the video -- a star-studded remix of “Touch It” -- for a March release. Rhymes also released two new mixtapes, and promises on each recording to honor the memory of his friend “Izzy” (Ramirez), as well as recently deceased producer Jay Dee a.k.a. J Dilla.

-- The ARTISTdirect Staff
02.27.06