One of the headliners of the SafeAuto 97.9 The Beat Custom Car Show & Concert in Dallas was rap icon Ice Cube.  From his early days with NWA, his booming solo career, and the plethora of movies and TV shows he has developed, Ice Cube has been synonymous with hip hop culture from the very beginning. 

While performing his hits (including “Check Yo Self” and “You Can Do It” as seen on the video), Ice Cube kept the crowd singing along and his strong stage presence definitely showed that he is the rap gold standard.  Right before Ice Cube went on stage, SafeAuto’s Justin Case was brought before the crowd and said a few words (also on the video).

All in all, the concert was a great success, and SafeAuto Insurance was pleased to be the title sponsor of the event. 

For the second year in a row, hip hop fans in Dallas were treated to their home-grown star Dorrough.  Bringing tons of energy throughout his entire set, Dorrough jumped off stage and performed his hit single “Ice Cream Paint Job” with the front row of fans.  He then played his new hit “Get Big” to the delight of the audience. 

Dorrough showed why he is one of the most up and coming rappers out there, and made his friends and family in Dallas proud.  After his performance, Dorrough spent time signing autographs for fans at the SafeAuto Insurance booth at the SafeAuto 97.9 The Beat Custom Car Show & Concert.

One of the brightest young rappers from St. Louis wowed the crowd at the SafeAuto97.9 The Beat Custom Car Show and Concert last Sunday in Dallas, Texas.  While Shorty Da Prince and his crew were the first to take the stage, they made a lasting impression performing their hit single “Ratchet (Wah Wah Wow)”.  Combining their unique lyrics with great dance moves, Shorty’s crew set the stage for the upcoming acts, which featured Gucci Mane, Ice Cube, Plies, and more. 

Check back in over the coming days for more exclusive video from the concert.

A Swedish motorist is facing a fine up to as much as $962,000 for driving nearly 180 mph.  Sporting a 570-horsepower black Mercedes-Benz (probably a customized CL 60), costing nearly $ 240,000, this Swede could face a costly ticket depending on his income level.

In Switzerland, speeding fines are based on the severity of the offence and the offender’s income level.  Police reported the driver was driving so fast it took him nearly half a mile to completely stop his car. No word yet on how much his auto insurance premium will jump next month, but with all this money being thrown around, it appears the driver will be fine.

Note to self: If I ever become a billionaire, avoid driving my arsenal of supercars in Sweden.  Perhaps Norway, but definitely not Sweden.

[Source: MSNBC]

In one of the more disturbing videos you’ll ever see, a seemingly out of control truck flies down a hilly street, swerving until it eventually flips over, dumping out the approximately 10 people in the truck bed.  While this may look like a stunt for an upcoming action movie, it sadly is real, with no immediate word on the injuries caused to those involved.

No word on whether or not the truck was insured,although you can definitely say they were not playing it safe.

While every car company is trying to outdo each other by having cars with better gas mileage, safer components and advancements in technology, here is a look at some of the most bizarre and outlandish ideas some of these companies are considering. Check out World Auto News’Top 10 Most Bizarre Futuristic Concept Cars for the full rundown of vehicles that are unlikely to be in anybody’s driveways, anytime soon.  My favorite, the Audi SNOOK, a concept with no wheels, just a ball to roll on and perform some amazing maneuvering capabilities.  No word on how much this would cost to insure.

[Source: World Auto News]

In an effort to possibly win the “Responsible Citizen of the Year” award, George McMurrain of St. Augustine, Florida dialed 911 multiple times to request a ride to the liquor store.  McMurrain repeatedly said that the sheriff would give him a ride, but the dispatcher was having none of it. 

After repeated calls to the emergency hotline, McMurrain was taken into custody and charged with misusing 911, as well as possession of marijuana, as he had a small amount on him while the officers arrested him at his Budget Inn motel room.

McMurrain may have been too drunk or high to drive his own car, or perhaps his ride did not have proper car insurance. Why McMurrain dialed 911 for a ride to the liquor store may never be solved, but we here at the Play It Safe Blogare tending to lean towards Afroman’s theory.

[Source: WJXT Jacksonville]

A Long Island, NY woman was arrested on drunken driving charges after her daughter dialed 911 from the rear of the vehicle.  49-year-old Jamie Hicks had a blood alcohol level over two times the legal limit when her daughter reported to police that Mrs. Hicks was driving drunk.  No word on whether she was carrying auto insurance.

While it may be true that kids say the darndest things,in this case the kid may have saved lives, as the mother was driving with two children in back and countless other people sharing the road with her.  So while Mrs. Hicks may regret giving her daughter a cell phone, hopefully one day she will thank her when she grows up. 

This also snaps a trend of reporting on terrible Ohio drivers,as the Empire State represents.

[Source: AP]

Justin Case recently conquered Ohio’s heat to make an appearance at the Move It Movement event hosted by Time Warner Cable and the Cartoon Network . He met with fans, played street hockey, learned self-defense moves, and gave away some great prizes. Not a big surprise, however, was the popularity of the new SafeAuto Silly bands. Fans loved the unique bands and were thrilled to grab a set.

Justin’s next visit will be at the 6th Annual Custom Car Show & Concert, hosted by 97.9 The Beat in Dallas, Texas. Stay tuned for updates on this event coming up on Sunday, August 22.

Take a look at Justin's visit to the event:

Time Warner and the Cartoon Network are teaming up to bring the Move it Movement tour to Easton Town Center on Friday, July 23, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The fun-filled family program will feature multiple themed activity and learning stations.

The "Move It Movement" is a live event touring the country to motivate and energize kids, taking on the country's biggest childhood health initiative: child obesity. This event is for children ages 6-14 and involves physical activities of all kinds. The program focuses on using the power of Cartoon Network's shows and characters to demonstrate the benefits of healthy lifestyles. Activities include a basketball challenge, obstacle course, hockey maze and a climbing wall.

SafeAuto’s Justin Case will be present at the Move it Movement Event this year as well. He will be signing autographs, handing out give-a-ways, and meeting with fans. SafeAuto Insurance is a strong supporter of living healthy lifestyles while also playing it safe out in the community.

The event is free for all ages and is located at Easton Town Center across the street from Barnes and Noble, behind Brio Tuscan Grill Restaurant. For more information or directions to the event, please visit the Easton Town Center website at http://eastontowncenter.com/Events.aspx?id=551.

So if you’re in the Columbus area this upcoming Friday, be sure to stop by Easton Town Center to see how Justin Case likes to move it move it like Madagascar at the annual Move it Movement event!