DOCUMENT: Crime

Hip Hop Station Too Hot For Landlord

Shootings, rowdy posses, threats trigger 'Hot 97' eviction suit

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Hip Hop Station Too Hot For Landlord

MAY 2--A who's who of rap world luminaries has contributed to the wild west atmosphere at New York's leading hip hop radio station, according to a lawsuit filed today seeking the eviction of Hot 97 from its Manhattan offices. In a blistering State Supreme Court complaint, the District Council of Carpenters alleges that WQHT is responsible for a series of episodes 'that have shocked, offended, repulsed, or threatened the safety of other tenants' in the 10-story West Village building. The lawsuit ticks off various shootings and other incidents involving stars like Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Cam'ron, 50 Cent, The Game, and Lil' Kim, as well as assorted posse members. A typical incident, according to the complaint, occurred in January, when DMX confronted a security guard who had barred a pal of the rapper's from entering the building. 'F*** you, $8.50 an hour f****t. If you step outside I'll kick your f***ing a** you b****h.' According to the complaint, an excerpt of which you'll find below, the trouble with Hot 97 began in 2000 and most recently included last week's shooting of performer Jamal 'Gravy' Wollard, who was clipped in the rear before he entered the Hudson Street building for an on-air appearance. To his credit, though, a limping Wollard did the interview, explaining to the Post, 'Getting shot ain't no joke, but I got up and still went upstairs and did the show...I had to do the show. That's my life.' The April 26 Wollard shooting, the complaint notes, was the 'proverbial 'last straw.'' In fact, the recent gunplay prompted the NYPD to install a high-tech video camera to record activity around the building, where about 1400 employees work. The lawsuit's sole defendant is radio giant Emmis Broadcasting, which owns Hot 97 and two other stations housed in the building. The rap station's lease is scheduled to expire in 2012. (16 pages)