Dan Gross: Too Tuff battling cancer
WE'RE SORRY to report that DJ Too Tuff, of the legendary Philly hip-hop act Tuff Crew, is battling thyroid cancer. And to make matters worse, Too Tuff, born Joseph Hicks, is incarcerated. Hicks, 41, who recently had surgery to remove his thyroid, was locked up in April at the House of Corrections and awaits trial Oct. 29 on aggravated assault and related charges over a fight last November at Silk City (5th & Spring Garden), where he was selling his CD "Too Tuff's Lost Archives."
Because he is on probation from a weed-possession charge, he is being held without bail. We spoke briefly with him yesterday. He said he wants to promote cancer awareness when he's released. "It can happen to anybody," he said, adding that he planned to donate a portion of procceds from his next CD to the American Cancer Society. His friend Canada Mike is working on a benefit show for Too Tuff's medical and legal bills. Those interested in helping out can call 267-265-6466 or e-mail
Kobe camped at Four Seasons
Kobe Bryant checked into the Four Seasons Tuesday night, dressed in a black and white sweatsuit. The Lakers and Lower Merion High star entertained a few fan requests for photos.
McElhenney pays the Prep a visit
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"
creator and star Rob McElhenney was back at his alma mater, St. Joseph's Prep, yesterday. McElhenney, a 1995 grad, is close friends with the Prep's dean of students, Dennis Hart. The actor gave an impromptu talk (in English) to a Spanish class, signed autographs and took pics with students, some of whom can be seen on our blog at PhillyGossip.com. McElhenney, a South Philly native, has donated a walk-on role on "It's Always Sunny . . . " to the school's annual "Hawktion" fundraiser for the past few years.
Police pull out of Variety event
For the first time in the 52-year history of Variety's Old Newsboys Day, the Police Department will not participate in the annual fundraiser for the children's charity. It's being held tomorrow throughout town.
Police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore said yesterday that Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey does not approve of officers on the streets collecting cash for anything and that police also did not do so for their own annual breast-cancer fundraiser. Vanore said Ramsey has instead asked officers to donate $1 through volunary payroll deductions to benefit Variety and other charities.
"This is a huge financial hit for Variety during these tough economic times," said Variety's executive director, Andrew Pack, about the withdrawal of the Police Department. He said the department raised close to $20,000 each year for the charity. "It's not only bad for the charity, but for the families of the children with disabilities."
'XPN drops during Bruce honor
88.5 WXPN's signal cut out for a little more than an hour yesterday afternoon as the station was playing Bruce Spring-steen covers by local artists all day in honor of the Boss' 60th birthday. Shortly before 2 p.m., midday host Helen Leicht said the problem was related to work on the station's antenna. She then wisely turned the lost signal into a pledge drive saying, "You now know what it's like when we're not here," and urged 'XPN listeners to "give us your support." The station last night put on a show at World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut) featuring the Phill-E Street Band. You can hear the local artists covering the Boss online at xpn.org/boss?start=1.
Charitably minded
Les Schwartzberg, owner of Les Richards Menswear, at Liberty Place and in Cherry Hill, donated 500 winter coats, valued at close to $25,000, to Project HOME to be given to the homeless as winter approaches. He made the donation during a Les Richards fashion event Tuesday at DelFrisco's (15th & Chestnut).
* People Paper columnist Ronnie
Polaneczky will emcee the Girls Night Out Oct. 1 at the Fairmount Boathouse along Kelly Drive. It's a ladies-only discussion over hors d'oeuvres and cocktails on issues facing aging women. NBC10 anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah, Drexel prof Nathalie Bartle, and Avalere Health VP Anne Tumlinson of Washington will be panelists. It benefits the Wesley Enhanced Living Foundation. Tickets are $75. RSVP by phone at 215-354-3193 or online at www.wel.org.
See more at PhillyGossip. com. Have a tip? Call 215-854-5963, or e-mail grossd@phillynews.com.
