Russell Simmons Signs A New Deal With HBO — Tha Wire [VIDEO]

Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam and music history, then teamed up with HBO to make TV history by producing Def Poetry Jam, Brave New Voices and the legendary Def Comedy Jam.  Now comes word HBO and Russell are joining forces again.

For much of the 1990′s Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam on HBO was THE show to watch for black comedy and THE show to be on if you wanted to be a star.  Russell Simmons executive produced the hit show, which showcased some of the biggest stand-up comedians in the biz from the late great Bernie Mac to Dave Chappelle, Adele Givens to Cedric The Entertainer and much more.  Here's a look back......PARENTS BE ADVISED THIS VIDEO INCLUDES EXPLICIT LYRICS

Now according to The Hollywood Reporter , Simmons is gearing up to join forces with HBO again and signed a two-year “first look” deal to create and develop new projects.  Listen to Tha Wire below and get all the details.

There will be plenty of surprises on J. Cole‘s upcoming album, ‘Born Sinner.’ The Roc Nation emcee recently revealed that he teamed up with the like of TLC  and Miguel for the LP.  Though he wouldn’t give up any further details, drama is brewing.

Hot 97 personality Peter Rosenberg revealed that there’s a song on Cole’s album about Nas turning him down for a feature.   Find out what that's all about now.  Listen to Tha Wire below for the scoop.

Finally Fat Joe joins Mary J. Blige, Damon Dash, Lauryn Hill and countless other celebrities who are facing or did jail time for owing back taxes.  In Fat Joe’s case, he plead guilty to tax evasion charges last year in December.  According to reports the 42-year old rapper failed to pay taxes on more than $3 million dollars income earned from 2007-2010..

Recently Joe sat down with ‘RapFix Live’ Wednesday and though he made no excuses, he spoke on what got him into this mess saying.  Get that info now, plus learn more about all of today's news.  Press play now to hear Tha Wire: