Is the Hip Hop Industry Dirtier Than the Dope Game?

A New Orleans jeweler has sued Lil' Wayne claiming the rapper owes him $146K.

According to the Miami-Herald, jeweler Jack Sutton says Wayne purchased a $32,000 necklace and a $138,000 diamond ring from him on October 6, 2006 and to date Wayne has paid only $24,000.

Sutton said the deal was made over the phone and Wayne agreed to make monthly payments. Sutton reports receiving a check for $24,000 on October 12. He received another check for $24,000 on January 18, however when he tried to deposit it he says there was a stop payment on the check.

Sutton says he has been unable to contact anyone in Wayne's camp about the outstanding amount.

“'I've been doing business with him for at least 10 years. He's always been wonderful with paying me,” said Sutton. “He’s spent a lot of money with me. I thought we have a really good relationship. I don't know what happened, unless it's a misunderstanding.”

Sutton's lawyer confirms his client's statement.

“This is clearly a misunderstanding,” Sweeney said “If, in fact, the allegations are true, then it will be resolved. My client is very responsible.'”

Rapper Mel "Drag-On" Smalls is set on making major moves in the rap scene with his new alliance with Full Surface Records.

Under the newly-signed deal, Drag-On will officially reunite with famed producer Swizz Beatz, who serves as the head of Full Surface.

Drag-On was featured on Swizz Beatz' latest release One Man Band and has been prominently featured on a number of Ruff Ryders related projects, the label to which his was once signed.

Drag-On has appeared on multiplatinum albums by DMX, Eve, The Lox and others.

He left Ruff Ryders after dropping the albums Opposite of H20 (2000) and Hell and Back (2004).

The signing comes amid the recent release of the Drag-On's independent album, Hood Environment, as well as the launch of his Hood Environment record label.

The Bronx-bred rapper has been working in the studio with Swizz Beatz as well as Philadelphia rapper Cassidy and his Larceny family of rappers.

With his Hood Environment label off the ground, Drag-On is determined to use the new company to introduce new artists to the public.

"This will give me a chance to bring in new talent and give others a chance to shine as well," Drag-On said in a statement. "My label is gonna be 100 percent with hard music for the streets. This time I'm the CEO and I know what the people want...We do this from the heart."