by Ryan Brockington

Hey ladies, dance and shake it for me before pulling the trigger on my laser while I ogle you with my camera face and make you dance on a chair. Do it, Beyonce and Lady GaGa say so.

In a massive attempt to bring hype and shock, Beyonce has released her video for "Video Phone" featuring eight new looks (one of which is a major Rihanna rip-off) and glorified back-up dancer Lady GaGa.

I will admit the video is pretty to look at, and Lady GaGa holds her own next to a major capital D Diva, but the womanizing undertones and dance for your dinner chair routine have my tummy feeling icky. Check out four more of my favorite stills and watch the entire mess below. Is it me or does Beyonce look a lot like Kimora Lee?

Speaking out five months after Michael Jackson's death, Janet Jackson placed blame on Dr. Conrad Murray, saying the doctor should no longer be allowed to practice medicine.

"He was the one that was administering," she told ABC's Robin Roberts. "I think he is responsible."

Michael Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, remains the focus of a manslaughter investigation into the pop star's death. Murray has admitted to administering the anesthetic propofol, but has denied giving Michael anything that should have killed him.

Jackson, who has walled herself in silence, fiercely guarding her private thoughts about the death of her beloved brother, Michael, opened up to Roberts in an exclusive interview that will air, Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 10 p.m. ET.

"It's been a tough year," she said. "You have your days where it's just really -- it's hard to believe. And a day doesn't go by that I don't think about him."

Jackson recounted the details of the morning of June 25, before she learned that Michael had collapsed, and her world turned upside down.

Source: abcnews

By Rya Backer
MTV NEWS

On Friday morning, Chris Brown's new video for "Crawl," the second single to get the video treatment from his upcoming release Graffiti, made its debut. The clip, which depicts a bespectacled Brown singing about how people need to crawl back to love, also features shaven-head sensation Cassie as Brown's love interest. The ballad is at least a little bit about Rihanna, and the video seems to make references to her and their relationship.

We took to the streets of Times Square to see what people thought of Brown's latest foray into short film. Reactions to the song and the video were mixed.

"It was a decent song. After everything that's gone on, it's kind of hard to support him," explained Lindsay, a student in town from Kentucky.

"I think it sounded fine," added her friend Katie. "But I don't know, I think it was a kind of failed attempt to tell everyone he's really sorry. I don't think it really did anything for me."

T.I. is still keeping an eye on things while serving his year-and-a-day prison sentence for felony weapons charges. On Wednesday, Ludacris tweeted that he spoke to his fellow Atlanta heavyweight.

Luda's messages reveal that Tip is keeping up on current events and feels for his peers Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie, who both have to go to prison at the top of their careers, much like Tip has had to do.

"Talking to TIP," Luda tweeted. "He says to tell Wayne and Boosie he Hates the situations y'all are in, but he's ridin' with the both of you."

'Cris added that Tip had a message for the kids in the Windy City in the wake of the Derrion Albert murder: "TIP also says to all my Chicago peoples, cut out all that damn nonsense!!! Sh-- has got to STOP!!!!!! I 2nd that!!!"

Rapper underwent anger management, will do 50 hours of community service.

After a couple of rough months that found him getting massive flack for interrupting Taylor Swift at the VMAs and canceling his tour with Lady Gaga, Kanye West got some very good news on Friday. Though he was not present for the ruling, West caught a break when a Los Angeles court commissioner dismissed all three misdemeanor charges against the rapper in connection with a scuffle with paparazzi at the Los Angeles International Airport in September 2008.

Court commissioner Mark Zuckman dismissed misdemeanor charges of battery, grand theft and vandalism against West and tour manager Don Crowley. West was arrested on suspicion of vandalism and Crowley on suspicion of vandalism and battery on September 12, 2008, when they allegedly confronted TMZ photographers and smashed their equipment; West and Crowley, 33, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could have sent West to jail for up to two years and six months and Crowley for up to five years.

City prosecutors opposed the dismissal, arguing that both West, 32, and Crowley had exhibited "felonious intent" in allegedly breaking the expensive camera gear. As part of the dismissal, West and Crowley were ordered to complete 50 hours of community service - West's attorney said he will work perform his service with the American Red Cross.

Source: MTV

Story by Jose Flores
Starpulse contributing writer

<strong>Kanye West is an immensely talented man. He's got 3 number one albums, 2 American Music Awards, 2 World Music Awards, 9 BET Awards, 12 Grammys…the list goes on and on. MTV named him the hottest MC in the game for 2008, placing him above the likes of Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and T.I. He successfully transitioned from producer to rapper, and then again (less successfully, but still decently) from rapper to singer. Truth be told, Kanye West is probably one of the few people in the world who has earned the right to be arrogant.

So why is he so hated for it? Why is he so reviled for what amounts to nothing more than an oversized ego? In a world where Chris Brown beats the hell out of Rihanna and T.I. gets caught stockpiling automatic weapons, does it make any kind of sense that Kanye West is public enemy number one?

In a weird, misguided way, yes it does.

Ours is a world based on image, and that means more than the clothes somebody wears, or the car somebody drives. It literally means that people are judged based on what they are seen doing. If someone carries themselves correctly out in public, they are more likely to be forgiven for the reprehensible things they do in private. That's why Chris Brown's on his way to getting his career back - because no one saw him beat Rihanna. Sure, everyone saw the aftermath, the pictures, but no one saw the act itself. Same with T.I. - no one saw him setting up his gun deal or paying off his bodyguard. All we saw was the end result, and the end result was done correctly. Chris Brown was shamed, remorseful. T.I. accepted his punishment like a man.

Beyonce and Lady Gaga are two of the most popular singers today and it seems the two have joined forces for B's latest video, "Video Phone." After a few weeks of rumors, the news has been confirmed by MTV.

According to a spokesperson for Hype Williams, the video will be released but few other details have been released.

Life and Style Magazine also found that the video was extremely secretive.

"Everything on the set was being kept very hush-hush, and security was extremely tight," an alleged insider told the magazine.

The person went on to explain that the fashion in the video was "insane."

"Beyoncé wears a feathered dress. And of course Lady Gaga wears something wild. The fashion is sick and insane."

Many sources also say that Gaga will add additional work to the track.

Beyonce and Lady Gaga have yet to speak on the matter.

Source: hiphopdx

By eonline

Perhaps Kanye West is finally taking that much-needed "time off" from his stage-hijacking shenanigans.

After infamously stealing Taylor Swift's spotlight at the MTV Video Music Awards, the rapper bailed on the 4th Annual BET Hip-Hop Awards Saturday evening, giving up his nine chances to stage yet another remix-worthy, acceptance speech crashing moment.

While YouTubers across the country were probably chomping at the bit for that video posting opportunity, it's safe to say the self-proclaimed egomaniac saved himself a beatdown by not jumping on stage with a nominee competitor like Young Jeezy or Rick Ross.

Top nominees turned no-shows was somewhat of a theme for the awards show, held at the Atlanta Civic Center. The runner-up to West's bevy of nominations, T.I., was missing in action as a result of his lockdown in an Arkansas prison on a federal weapons charge.

The incarcerated rapper's latest video premiered on Monday (October 5) and continues the prison theme set forth by his last video, "Remember Me," featuring Mary J. Blige. That video, which was to be the first single from the proposed Paper Trail reissue that was later shelved, was released just after Tip began his sentence and opened with the Atlanta rapper in an orange jail-issued jumpsuit.

"Hell of a Life" is similar, with Tip donning his prison duds early in the clip. But while "Remember Me" struck a more somber tone, "Hell of a Life" is celebratory. After the rapper enters prison, the Erik White-directed video flashes back 24 hours. Tip is shown all alone in a bedroom-like setting watching his career highlights on a flat-screen TV.

"Beamers, Bentleys, double Rs, Ferraris/ Every time I seen shorty, 'Where you headed tonight?'/ Selling out arenas, chicks with asses like Serena/ Man, shorty live a hell of a life, I'm tryna tell them," T.I. raps on the track's chorus.

Lady GaGa has revealed she'll launch her own US tour after the cancellation of her joint Fame Kills shows with Kanye West.

Speaking at the Billboard Women in Music event she told reporters: "We mutually decided to cancel the tour. He's going to take some time off, but I'm not."

"I'll be leaving just a week later than I was supposed to on my own solo tour. It will be the same places. So I will see you guys there."

She added: "Kanye and I talked about it. We talked about it a lot, as well as with (promoters) Live Nation."

It's thought West will take some time off after his stage invasion at the VMAs where he interrupted Taylor Swift.

Of that incident GaGa said: "everyone makes mistakes and it is important to forgive one another. He's a good person."

Source: mtv.co.uk

Chris Brown has a new single called "I Can Transform Ya," featuring Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz, streaming right now on his official website. Two decent verses from Weezy make this one a somewhat easier listen than "Twitter," the grating track Brown leaked earlier this month. One thing hasn't changed since then, though: I'm still not ready to hear this kind of music from Chris Brown.

The singer also recently announced a headlining concert date on Oct. 27, his first since becoming a convicted felon. I can't decide whether to feel baffled or outraged by his apparent decision to charge forward with a comeback before even finishing his court-mandated trash-pickup hours. Brown was sentenced to that community service just one month ago after pleading guilty to assaulting his former girlfriend Rihanna in February. Does he think we've already forgotten what happened? As EW's Michael Slezak noted when "Twitter" leaked on Sept. 10, Brown needs to take some serious time off from promoting his career to think about why he committed such an awful crime and make sure it never happens again. Many of you agreed at the time, as did I. Call me crazy, but I don't think a 19-day break was what any of us had in mind.

It's really a shame - "I Can Transform Ya" isn't a terrible song at all. (Stream it after the jump if you want.) Unfortunately, I just can't hear this guy sing Auto-Tuned come-ons right now without cringing. Can you? When, if ever, do you think it will be appropriate for Brown to hawk new music?

Source: music-mix.ew

by Josh Grossberg and Lindsay Miller

Chris Brown won't be crooning "I'll Be There" in honor of Michael Jackson.

The "Forever" singer has put the kibosh on any plans to perform at the M.J. tribute concert in Vienna, hours after Jermaine Jackson announced Brown would be among the headliners at the Sept. 26 show.

"Chris is not confirmed to perform or participate in any capacity for this show," the publicist for Brown's label tells E! News.

While we expect Brown to commence his comeback after racking up five years' probation for beating Rihanna, we were surprised to hear his name listed with Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole, Akon and Sister Sledge for the event. He would need court approval to head overseas and get a break from his 180 hours of community labor. Brown, 20, attended Jackson's funeral and has cited the King of Pop as a major influence.

Jay-Z doesn't think Kanye West is a "jackass" - just "super-passionate."

The rapper defended his protégé on BBC Radio for ambushing Taylor Swift at Sunday's Video Music Awards and says the whole situation has been blown out of proportion.

Top Moments: Kanye interrupts, Serena curses and True Blood licks the egg

"Of course it was rude, because it was her moment, but that's the way he really felt," Jay-Z said. "I think it was rude, but the way they're treating him... He's on the cover of every paper. He didn't kill anybody. No one got harmed."

Kanye calls Taylor Swift to apologize

West has since personally apologized to Swift, who accepted his apology, meaning it's time for everyone to move on, Jay-Z said.

"I don't think he should lay low," he said, referring to West's announcement on The Jay Leno Show to take a break. "I think he should move on and have a brilliant career."

Source: seattlepi

Angel Lola Luv Print and Video Diva is Embarking on Something Fresh

Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 29, 2009 -- What would we do without the modern day 'blogging' phenomenon? Blogs render such entertainment. Good, bad or indifferent, gossip sites are spewing with some facts, some fiction, and everything in between. It seems the rumor mills are all in love with the highly desired model and former video-vixen, Ms. Angel Lola Luv aka Lola Monroe. In the beginning of her career, Ms. Luv graced countless magazine covers, and featured in music videos with some of the top Hip Hop artists in the industry. But now she is embarking on a new career, from former video/print diva to sexy, sharp and sassy, rap diva. Teaming up with the undisputed mixtape giant Dj Fletch, Ms. Luv debuted a new mixtape this month, lyrically airing out the rumors and smacking the haters.

Speaking of rumors, it was reported by several media shops including mediatakeout.com and Hip Hop Weekly that Ms. Lola Luv was in a heavy romance, a deep love affair with hip hop's swagger-man Souljaboy Tell Em. Well, sorry to disappoint our fellow bloggers, however Souljaboy Tell Em and Ms. Angel Lola are simply friends. Angel explains, "Souljaboy and I are not dating. We recorded a song together for our mixtape projects and have a mutual artist to artist respect for each other. He's a cool guy, but right now I'm more focused on upcoming films and my new album." Angel is currently working in the studio with several top named producers preparing for her debut album release in 2010. Luckily for all the fellas, Ms. Luv aka Lola Monroe is still single while making major moves. Did we mention Ms. Luv is making her big screen appearance starring alongside 50 Cent in the highly anticipated movie "Before I Self Destruct"? Um huh!

Former Grand Hustle associate Cedric "Alfamega" Zellars has reportedly inked an open letter to T.I. which speaks on his past and present loyalty.

"On the real, I'm not coming to you as a disgruntled crying as*ed b*tch who's mad about being let go," Alfa wrote. "I'm coming to you as a man who is disappointed that he was publicly exiled by a friend. You've often said that you're a man of your words but hommie; you are not being true to your words...I rode for you when there was no one else there to ride for you. 24/7, I was on call for you pimp. On many occasions, I sidelined my family choosing to risk my early demise for you. With a little cheddar, you can easily employ dudes to kill for you all day every day. Conversely, try finding someone who will put their life on the line and die for you...I was the first person you called when you got into that altercation in LA with Shaka's DTP people. Without any questions, I was right there ready to go to war for you...Time after time, I defended your honor because you were my dawg; if they disrespected you, they disrespected me...Once this is published, I'm giving you a week to call me. Should you choose to not call me within that timeframe, I'll know exactly where we stand. At that point, we'll separate...Hope you come home soon pimp, keep your head up and let all the bull go. Don't worry about propaganda, people always gone talk." (Down South)

Alfa recently questioned Tip's past statements about his criminal background and denied working for the DEA.

"Am I snitching in the hood," he asked laughing. "It's like people say I can't go back in the hood, when I heard that I was in the hood. They still say I can't go back to the hood but I was in the hood when I heard I couldn't go back...Me and the dude [they say I snitched on] Ali, didn't have any business together, ever. Me and Ali never been in the streets together, hustling, things like that. I apologized to dude because his name got caught up in a whole lot of things...How do you intentionally conceal your criminal past? Intentionally? Everybody in the streets knows me. Tip knew what I had been locked up for, I had been locked up for a gun. I went to jail for a gun. He talked to dudes who did time with me. His uncle and everybody did time with me. He was in prison with me...I don't work for no motherf*cking DEA. I have never worked for the DEA. I had gun charges." (Gyant Unplugged)

Tameka aka "Tiny," as in T.I.'s love interest, may be getting calls from the jailed rapper if new rumors flying around the internet are true...

According to a few outlets, including 24 Hour Hip Hop, T.I. was not happy about Tiny's deal with BET for the reality series "Tiny & Toya". Now that the show is being broadcast to millions he allegedly wants the cameras to stop rolling and BET to pull the plug!

Now we're not sure if any of this is true but, some say T.I. had reservations about the whole thing from the beginning and only said "yes" so Tiny could "start her career up again".

Since its premiere the show has drawn controversy at BET with one viewer stating "First of all, I am not hating. But let's be real, Tiny needs to get the Atlanta yellow pages and find a Speech Therapist!!! Or the producers need to put subtitles on the screen so that the rest of the country can understand that mess!!! OOH Fulton County Courts need to issue BET a restraining order so that they can stay away from Atlanta filming these ghetto hood rats!!!"

By Luchina Fisher, Sarah Netter and Russell Goldman
Source: abcnews.go.com

It may have come as a surprise to some that Diana Ross was mentioned in Michael Jackson's will as a secondary caregiver to his three children, but her inclusion was not unexpected to those who had tracked their longstanding relationship, dating back to Jackson's early childhood.

In his will, Jackson specified that if his mother Katherine Jackson, his first choice to become guardian for his three young children, died before he did, then he named Ross to take custody of the kids.

Omitted from the will was Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of his two older children.

Jackson's three children, Michael Joseph Jr., 12; Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael Jackson II, 7, known as Blanket, have been staying with their grandmother Katherine at the family compound in Encino, Calif., since Jackson's death last Thursday.

By Shanz (Pen2 Paper Creative Concept)
OutAroad.com Writer

Track Profile: John Legend 'No Other Love' ft. Estelle
Produced By Dwayne Chin-Queen & Co-Producer: Mitchum Chin
Label: Columbia Records, G.O.O.D. Music
Album: Evolver

On the heels of his hit collaboration 'Green Light' ft Andre 3000, John has found another amazing track with label mate Estelle, dubbed 'No Other Love'. John Legend seeks to cement his legendary status in music, with his latest collaboration British Star Estelle. With little over 37,800 tags on Google alone and over 12 ADDS last week on radio, in the United States the single seems to be getting lots if not all the love. Estelle struck oil earlier this year, with Jamaican superstar Sean Paul, with their steamy collaboration 'Come Over', which still rides high on charts locally and internationally. She seemingly has the magic ingredient to make constant hits, not just in hip hop or R&B, but Reggae as well.

Source: hiphoprx

Film/television actress, model and reported new 'baby mama' of rapper Lil Wayne's unborn child, Lauren London, has been reported to be pregnant by the New Orleans, Louisiana hip hop artist and Cash Money Records recording music artist, but was first reported as NOT happy about the pregnancy. Later, it was reported that "Lauren London and Lil Wayne are fine and the two will raise the baby together." Now, reportedly Lauren London is NOT happy again, according to new detailed reports, about being pregnant and also about losing her virginity to Lil Wayne?! Wait?! Losing her virginity to Lil Wayne?!!

As previously reported on HipHopRX.com, London was not happy about the alleged pregnancy and actually did not want to keep the baby at first, but decided to go ahead with her pregnancy in fear of alleged threats by Lil Wayne, founder of Young Money Entertainment, to go public with the news of her pregnancy and her decision to abort.

by Johnny Firecloud
Source: craveonline

Star & Buc Wild, the hot-button personalities over at VladTV, have finally stepped up and called out what many of us have been thinking but haven't quite wanted to say about T.I. - specifically his extremely lenient (366 days) prison sentence, despite convictions for possession of three loaded assault weapons and explosives (grenades) - with prior felonies to boot.

T.I. may be sitting in jail as you read this, but Star & Buc Wild pull no punches in taking the Grand Hustle rapper to task for the suspect circumstances surrounding his sentence.

T.I. is addressed in the clip as "Officer Clifford Harris," going above and beyond calling him a snitch, straight up suggesting that the presently-incarcerated rapper is on the po-po payroll. The bitch of it is that he makes a damn compelling case. Extra points given for the shout out to Perez Hilton at the 2:06 mark, calling him by his true name, "bitch ass."

Alicia Keys the new girl

Swizz Beatz wants his soon to be ex-wife to shut the hell up. The hit rapper slash producer has requested a gag-order in the his divorce proceedings with the R&B singer, Mashonda. Since splitting up last year, rumors have gone around that the reason the couple broke up was the relationship between Swizzy and singer Alicia Keys.

Mashonda's lawyer, Bernard Clair, said everything was "flying under the radar until Mr. Dean and Alicia Keys went public about their long-term affair and he released a song implying that he likes it when Alicia serves him breakfast naked. Now that Mr. Dean's questionable conduct is being scrutinized, he suddenly wants a gag order and the media to be locked out?"

Source: rapbasement

LOS ANGELES (AP) - For Beyonce and T.I., No. 1 is followed by five - BET Awards nominations, that is.

The two entertainers, who each who scored No. 1 hit songs and videos this year, lead BET Awards nominees with five each.

Beyonce also counts a No. 1 film among her recent credits: "Obsessed," which topped the box office when it opened last month.

The 27-year-old singer is up for female R&B artist, actress, the viewer's choice award and video of the year, where she has nods for both "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" and "If I Were a Boy."

T.I. has two nominations for best collaboration - with Rihanna for "Live Your Life" and with Yung LA and Young Dro for "Ain't I."

Shy rapper RICK ROSS is so obsessed with his collection of designer sunglasses he always wears a pair during sex.

The Hustlin' star was inspired by late rapper Notorious B.I.G. to customise his growing collection of shades, costing up to $2250 (GBP1500) each. And he's become so attached to the diamond-encrusted eyewear it's often the only item he'll keep on when stripping down for a steamy session of love-making.

He tells StreetLevel.com, "I've had sex in my shades, sometimes I wear my clear ones. A lot of ladies compliment my eyelashes so I don't want people to see them, I'm shy, so wear my shades all the time. I never told nobody that before."

Source: contactmusic

Kanye West is revealing more than ever about his ladylove Amber Rose, but not with a blog entry or paparazzi rant.

West features the gorgeous blonde in the new national print campaign for his sneaker range, a collaboration with Louis Vuitton.

Shot by Steve Shaw, West's science fiction-inspired footwear is modeled by the rapper himself. His accessory? A nude Amber sprawled beside him on a leather couch.

In a clear case of "reverse cleavage," Ms. Rose gives the world a peak at what Kanye snuggles with on a nightly basis.

The pair will collaborate again in a music video for Kanye's forthcoming single, Robocop, where sources tell RadarOnline she'll look like "a Barbie doll come to life."

If she sticks with Kanye, we can certainly see a plastic replica in Amber West's future.

Source: radaronline.com

Source: eonline.com

It's probably safe to say there are no Kids' Choice Awards in Jamie Foxx's immediate future.

After taking a call on his Sirius satellite radio show The Foxxhole Sunday, the Oscar winner and his zoo crew lashed out at tween dream and reigning box-office champ Miley Cyrus, referring to the 16-year-old as a "little white bitch" and advising her to alternately "do some heroin" and "make a sex tape and grow up."

The 41-year-old's foul outburst was prompted by a caller to the show who brought up a month-old story in which Cyrus pledged to "ruin" Radiohead after the rockers rejected a request to meet with the Disney star backstage at the Grammys.

"Who is Miley Cyrus?" an incredulous Foxx, who has a teenage daughter of his own, said. "The one with all the gums? She gotta get a gum transplant...S--t."

T.I. 's 2007 arrest for attempting to buy illegal firearms led many observers to believe the rapper's career was finished and he'd be spending a long stretch in prison. The rapper had previously done jail stints for drug-related offenses.

So how did an exemplary student, as Tip said he was, turn to a fast life of crime?

"I think for me, it was independence. It was about independence. It was about being a provider. It was me and my mom at that point, and from what I saw of my uncles and what I saw of my pops, they were providers," T.I. told MTV News on Saturday during his interview that will air Tuesday night (March 31) on MTV's "Road to Redemption: The Reckoning." "They provided for their family and other people's families. They were the ones that other people came to when they didn't know what they were going to do and how they were going to do it. Where there was no way, my uncles and my pops made a way, and that's what I saw."

For Tip, he said those figures became his examples. By the time he hit his teens, he moved to place himself in that provider position. He'd receive final-notice bills from his mother, and he said it was then his responsibility to make sure their lives remained steady. So he turned to selling crack.

The rapper said he masked his illegal activity with a more modest, innocent front: selling candy.

"My mom never knew how I was getting it done, she just knew I was getting it done," Tip recalled. "I had a few fronts too, man. I used to sell candy. I used to go to the warehouse and buy a bunch of candy, get a book bag full of candy, and off it. I pretended to my mom for a long time that that's how I was getting the money."

Read Full Story mtv.com/news

Grammy-winning singer T-Pain recently confirmed reports of being involved in a golf accident that knocked out some of the singer's teeth.

Returning to his billing on Lil Wayne's "I Am Music" tour in Universal City, California, Pain clarified rumors of his accident.

"There's a lot of talk that I flipped over in a golf cart," Pain said. "That's f*cking true. It did happen like three days ago. My a** is on fire right now. My side hurt, my mouth hurt. I bust my a**. I'd show you the marks, but I don't wana pull my pants down right now. I got my teeth fixed the same day. Rich n*gga teeth. I don't give a f*ck how many golf cats I flip over...If I was any less of a showman tonight, I apologize." (Rap-Up)

Pain's golf cart incident reportedly took place last Wednesday (March 25) in Texas.

Source: sohh

Despite facing charges for allegedly abusing Rihanna, Chris Brown was spotted smiling and jet-skiing in Miami -- which did not sit well with fellow singer Usher!

"I'm a little disappointed in this photo," Usher says says of the Miami pix, on an episode of Jermaine Dupri's "Living the Life." "After the other photo [of Rihanna's bruised face]?"

The R&B star added, "C'mon, Chris. Have a little bit of remorse, man. The man's on jet skis? Like, just relaxing in Miami?"

Usher isn't the first to speak out on the incident. Hilary Duff recently sent well-wishes to the "Umbrella" singer via "Extra," and encouraged women to recognize domestic violence as a serious problem. "I wish her all the best, and want to let girls out there know that it's never okay to be treated like that."

Rihanna and Chris have reportedly reconciled and are staying in a hotel in Los Angeles, where Chris is due in court tomorrow to face charges stemming from the pre-Grammy night beating.

Source: extratv.warnerbros.com

By Glenn Gamboa
Source: newsday.com

Like nearly every other piece of President Barack Obama's inauguration, picking Beyoncé to sing "At Last" during the first couple's first dance was part logistics, part symbolism - reinforcing many of the day's themes.

The song itself is 67 years old, first released on the soundtrack to the Glenn Miller movie "Orchestra Wives" in 1942, though most believe the definitive version belongs to Etta James, who turned it into a hit in 1961. Beyoncé covered it last year for "Cadillac Records," the movie where she portrayed James.

Choosing her to sing it, instead of James, plays into Obama's ongoing theme of giving young people the reins, but making sure they know their history and excel at what they do. It goes hand in hand with Michelle Obama choosing a gown from 26-year-old designer Jason Wu, whom many say updates the work of Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Or, you know, having a head speechwriter - Jon Favreau - who is 27.

For her part, the normally unflappable Beyoncé had to fight to keep it together, holding back the tears as the enormousness of the moment - not to mention watching the Obamas dance in front of her - started to get to her. "I was thinking [about] all of the sacrifices Obama and his wife and his children have made, and at last he's here," she told ABC News afterward, adding that she was embarrassed by her emotions. "It's probably the most important day of my life, and I'm so grateful."

'T.I.'s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go' follows rapper's work, family life and community service.

By Shaheem Reid
Source: mtv.com

It's hard to believe that in less than two months, T.I. will be going to jail. With his incredibly busy schedule, Tip himself doesn't have time to dwell on it. He has work to do first. In addition to all the appearances he's been making to promote Paper Trail, he's been shooting movies, overseeing his artists' upcoming albums, being a family man and completing 1,000 hours of community service for felony weapons charges.

"No amount of jail time is gonna teach me the lesson I learned at that moment," Tip says of the night he got arrested in November 2007 in his upcoming MTV series "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go." (The title will actually change as the countdown to his prison sentencing nears.) He could have faced up to 30 years in jail for purchasing illegal firearms, but because of a plea deal, the community work he's completed by March will likely reduce his sentence significantly.

As the cops apprehended him, Tip says he thought to himself, "Oh sh--, you done f---ed up."

In "T.I.'s Road to Redemption," Tip gives viewers an intimate look at his family life at home. He shows the extremes he has go through to maintain his accustomed level of fan love and media exposure while giving talks to kids as part of his community service.

READ FULL STORY mtv.com/news

By Krazy Katty
OutAroad.com Writer

Rapper/actor Earl Simmons, more popularly known as DMX has had enough runnings with the law to keep him in and out of prison on a regular basis. DMX who has appeared in many major Hollywood motion pictures including ‘Belly’ which was partially filmed in Jamaica, is currently serving a 90 day sentence in an Arizona jail for drug possession and theft among other charges. He was arrested at producer Scott Storch’s house in Miami on December 31, 2008 and has been on 23-hour lockdown for most of his time to date.

DMX has always had a religious element to his music and since 2003, he has openly expressed a desire to deliver a Christian message to his fans. In this interview done from behind bars, X continues to express his desire to minister to his fellow inmates and others on his release.

Lil' Kim was the Notorious B.I.G.'s protege, best friend and lover but the pint-sized rap star wants nothing to do with the upcoming biopic of the late hip hop star's life.

The upcoming movie, Notorious, slated to release this month, stars Angela Basset as Biggie's mom, Voletta Wallace and a cast full of hip-hop characters that epitomized early 90s rap---everyone from Junior M.A.F.I.A. to Tupac Shakur.

While it isn't clear what Kim is upset about, the actress cast as her, Naturi Naughton, wasn't even able to interview or speak with her as research for the role.

Instead she just, "researched on my own. I studied videos and spent time in Brooklyn to get an idea of the mentality," Naturi said.

Probably the most amusing piece of this news item is what all of us have chuckled over everytime Ready To Die is played.

As rapper Fabulous said: "He'd love that dorky white guys are rapping his songs at bars. We come from a world where we don't know their lifestyles, and they don't know ours."

Hey now. Don't steal the thunder from a dorky white boys being Big Poppa in their minds.

Source: socialitelife.celebuzz.com

By NADIA MENDOZA
Source: thesun.co.uk

NO... we're not talking about JAY-Z.

But Heroes star ALI LARTER does gets her claws into BEYONCE's onscreen hubby in their saucy new film Obsessed.

The X-rated movie tells the tale of a rampant stalker who threatens to break-up a happily married couple.

RocknRolla actor IDRIS ELBA is the lucky man nestled between these two hotties.

The Crazy In Love singer's previous silver screen attempt was overshadowed by the incredible JENNIFER HUDSON in Dreamgirls.

And unfortunately for Beyonce, it looks like Ali's hot body could steal the show this time around too.

Get ready to learn P.Diddy's secret to snagging sexy ladies! The hip hop mega mogul has been linked to numerous A-list stars -- and he is confessing his choice pick-up line! "The thing that works for me is, 'What's your name?'" That's all the superstar has to say!

Diddy also said he's pumped to head to Washington, D.C. for Barack Obama's Inauguration Day. "I really just want to see the historical moment. Man, I want to see him raise his hand in the air and get sworn in. I really want to see that."

Source: extratv.warnerbros.com

Like bees to honey, Tayma's passion for her craft is more than an attraction, for her it's an addiction. It was evident, that since the day this virgo was born into one of Detroit's elite musical families, Tayma (originally spelled Thema) which means Queen in Swahili has been enamored in every aspect of performance.

Being influenced by Shirley Murdock, Whitney Houston, and Kim Burrell to name a few, she emerged into singing in church and the school choir. Once out of high school she got the introduction to her music career when she moved to New Jersey with her brother Carlos "Da Maestro" Mckinney. With the guidance of her brother, she was signed to be the first girl group "Lyric" on J Records. After gaining time in the spotlight for a few years and trying other groups that didn't pan out, she took a step back and realized that it probably wasn't in the cards for it to happen that way.

Venturing off on her own displaying the experience and knowledge, she acquired from her stint in the industry and with her brother Carlos by her side making them one of the first brother/sister teams in the industry. It is time for this driven songtress to take center stage. Tayma's single "Tipsy" is set for 2008 release, which will capture your ears to this sweet songtress sound.

Dr. Dre appears on a new remix of Kardinal Offishall's "Set It Off" which has leaked to radio.

DJ Skee's syndicated radio show premiered the track, which features new raps from Dre and Clipse's Pusha-T, on Monday. But the song wasn't supposed to leak.

Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine sent Dre B-roll from the video for "Set It Off" a few months ago, and Dre apparently liked the song so much that he wanted to record his own rhymes for a remix. The track was supposed to be released earlier this year, but after Dre's long-delayed Detox album was pushed back yet again, those plans were shelved.

You can hear the remix here.

Dre hasn't rhymed much since 2004, when he appeared on Eminem's "Encore" with 50 Cent. Other than "Set It Off," his only recent appearances or rhymes of any kind have been on Timbaland's "Bounce" and Snoop Dogg's "Imagine."

Source: chartattack.com

Last year everyone couldn't wait for the beef between Lil Wayne and 50 Cent after the G-Unit general called Weezy "a whore" for appearing on everyone's records and questioned Lil Wayne's sexuality after the infamous picture of him kissing Birdman surfaced. But Lil Wayne never replied...untill recently.

A new song "Louisianimal" [listen here] from the "The Drought Is Over Part 6" mixtape leaked last month. In the track Weezy fires back saying 'All about a dollar, f*ck two quarters/B*tch I’ll pour syrup in that vitamin water/I hope you die ugly, and tonight will be gorgeous. After the leak, many people speculated that the song was old and was leaked without Lil Wayne's permission, but 50 is now questioning that.

"Think about it, no one from his camp said it was a leak. We could assume it was leak but he's a celebrity. If it was a leak, he would come out and say something" 50 said in an recent interview on Shade 45. 50 went on to say "It doesn’t matter if it’s old or not. Now I know how you feel. I'll leave it like it is right now and wait till I'm comfortable and then I’ll do what I do."

Source: rapbasement.com

By Vicki Hyman/The Star-Ledger

Akon cut a deal with prosecutors in Dutchess County, N.Y., for tossing a fan off stage at a concert last year, and will face no jail time, the Associated Press reports.

The R&B star had been charged with second-degree harassment and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a minor but pleaded guilty to harassment. He must perform 65 hours of community service and pay a $250 fine.

During the concert, Akon had thought a 15-year-old boy had thrown something at him and asked a security guard to deliver him to the stage, whereupon he hoisted the teen on his shoulders and tossed him into the crowd. (The whole incident was filmed and splashed across the Internet, hence the lack of allegedly's.) Akon apologized to the boy and his family after entering the plea.

Source: nj.com/entertainment

Written by HipHopRX Denise

R&B singer Chris Brown, 19, has been named by Billboard Magazine as 2008’s top artist based on a number of factors which include album sales, radio airplay, internet streams and digital downloads.

The singer told Billboard in an interview Thursday, “It’s bigger than what I can ever imagine. It’s unexpected totally, so it’s a surprise.”

The singer should be thankful due to the number of hits he’s had this year which include “With You,” “Forever” and the collaboration with American Idol Winner Jordin Sparks on the track “No Air.”

On last month, the multi-talented artist won three awards at the American Music Awards, including artist of the year and most recently he was nominated for two Grammy Awards for the 51st Grammy Awards. The 51st Grammy Awards will take place on February 8, 2009 and will broadcast on CBS at 8PM EST.

Rapper T.I. is determined to use his time in prison wisely - he is planning to organise his comeback from behind bars.

The Whatever You Like hitmaker, real name Clifford Harris Jr., is facing a one year prison sentence in March next year (09) after pleading guilty to illegal possession of three machine guns and two silencers following his 2007 arrest.

And T.I. is adamant that he won't be wasting any time in prison.

He tells MTV.com, "Presumably, while I'm there, I'll be able to strategise my comeback. All those days will be spent speaking to people who are interested in being in the T.I. business. Preparing myself for the days those doors open, when I put my feet back on the ground of the free world. It's just months of planning. It's just a long time to roll the project out. I ain't gonna just be sitting still doing nothing. The wheels will be turning, just the car ain't going nowhere."

And the star is even planning to make a movie before he heads to jail.

He adds, "The film I'm producing over at New Line, For Sale, we're trying to put that together, and hopefully we'll be able to do that before March. We're getting offers every day, checking on our availability, on whether or not we'll be able to take advantage of certain opportunities, film-wise."

Source: rapweekly.com

By TMZ Staff
tmz.com

Jennifer Hudson is headed back to work, six weeks after her mom, bro, and nephew were killed in Chicago.

Hudson's record label says she'll be working on a new video for her single "If This Isn't Love," -- ironically, the same video she was supposed to film in L.A. when she found out her family had been shot at her childhood home.

Her estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the case.

By Njai Joszor
Source: singersroom.com

Covering the current issue of Seventeen Magazine, Beyonce says "I don't try to compete with other people."

"I feel like I'm my competition."

Maybe Beyonce is right. As the title of the highly anticipated album "I Am... Sasha Fierce" suggests Sasha is the competition and by the looks of it she is winning -- at least in the club that is ...

With the simultaneous release of her lead singles fans can see that there is a clearly drawn line between the infectious dance hit "Single Ladies," which many call "Get Me Bodied" on steroids, and the more anthem tinged but heavily downloaded single "If I Were a Boy."

If history serves correctly though, Sasha seems to be the one who tops the charts, rocks the stage and fills the dance floor on "Crazy In Love," "Freakum Dress," "Check On It," and the aforementioned "Get Me Bodied."

New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne, defying the trend of an industry in retreat by selling 1 million copies of his third album, “Tha Carter III,” in a single week last July, was rewarded with a field-leading eight Grammy Award nominations tonight, including album of the year.

Lil Wayne galvanized rap fans in the months leading up to the album’s release with a seemingly never-ending series of mix tapes distributed over the Internet, pointing the way toward new methods of generating excitement at a time when consumers’ overall enthusiasm toward the record industry’s offerings continues to erode.

Recording Academy voters who decide on nominated artists and recordings, while taking the position that Grammy recognition does not hinge on sales or chart position, nonetheless heaped the most nominations on acts that continued to sell solidly and chart high during 2008. They include Coldplay, which collected seven nods, and Jay-Z, Kanye West and Ne-Yo, tied with six apiece. The rappers benefited from their many collaborations in categories dominated by recordings featuring guest performers.

Coldplay, however, was the only act to complete the hat trick of nominations in the three top categories of record, album and song of the year from its hit album “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.” Lil Wayne’s other nominations came primarily in rap categories.

Adele, the 20-year-old British singer and songwriter sometimes tagged as “the next Amy Winehouse,” also snagged nominations in three of the Grammys’ four marquee fields. She received a best new artist nod (along with Duffy, the Jonas Brothers, Lady Antebellum and Jazmine Sullivan) as well as record and song nominations for “Chasing Pavements,” a track from her album “19.”

Read Full Story at latimesblogs.latimes.com

Rapper Akon’s trial, which was supposed to begin today in Fishkill Town Justice Court, has been postponed until Dec. 17.

On that date, it will be determined whether or not a trial will take place or if matters can be resolved without a trial.

Akon pleaded not guilty last December to endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor and second-degree harassment, a violation. The charges arose from a June 3, 2007 incident where he allegedly threw then 15-year-old Harriman resident Anthony Smith from the stage at the annual KFest concert at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill.

He’ll be appearing at 8 p.m. tonight at a free, MySpace CD release show at the China Club in New York City to promote tomorrow’s release of his new album, “Freedom.”

Sandy Tomcho
Source: recordonline.com

Rapper Lil Wayne has sparked rumours of a feud with 50 Cent after making disparaging comments apparently aimed at the 'In Da Club' star on a new mixtape.

The 'Lollipop' hitmaker appears to take lyrical jabs at his rap rival on a freestyle titled 'Louisianimal' from his The Drought Is Over mixtape.

On the track, he raps: "All about a dollar, f**k two quarters" - lyrics understood by fans to be a swipe at 50 Cent's stage name.

Lil Wayne continues to take aim at the superstar's endorsement of Vitamin Water, saying: "B**ch, I'll pour syrup in that Vitamin Water."

He goes on to add: "I hope you die ugly, and tonight will be gorgeous."

WENN
Source: www.3news.co.nz

By Mack Rawden

In the immortal words of Tracy Morgan, Bond, Lamont Bond. Fresh off the election of Barack Obama, Sean Puffy Combs has announced his campaign to take over for current James Bond actor Daniel Craig. The thirty-nine year old hip-hop mogul/ restaurateur/ father of five is almost legendary at this point for venturing into dozens and dozens of money making ventures which run the period table from music to fashion. You can’t fault a guy from grabbing those dollar bills.

According to Music-News, Combs recently spent almost a million dollars making a YouTube video to advertise his new cologne and audition for the next James Bond movie. Unfortunately for Combs, Quantum Of Solace debuted to the tune of seventy million dollars, meaning Daniel Craig will more than likely reprise his role in the next film.

Speaking about the possibility of having a black James Bond, Daniel Craig said, “I think the role could easily be played by a black actor, because the character created by Ian Fleming in the 50s has undergone a great deal of evolution and continues to be updated."

Let’s be clear: Sean Combs will never play James Bond in an actual studio-funded film, but I wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere down the road James Bond was given a little more soul.

Source: cinemablend.com/celebrity

By: Daniel Melia
taletela.com

Shawty Lo has blamed T.I.'s inability to "contain his people" for the scuffle that forced police to shut down the Dirty Awards in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday.

The fourth annual hip-hop prizegiving had to be halted by authorities after fights erupted between the two stars' entourages.

The trouble began when Shawty Lo took to the stage to perform Don't I - his version of Ain't I, a track originally recorded by T.I.'s artist Yung L.A., which takes shots at T.I.'s Grand Hustle crew.

But the D4L rapper insists he didn't instigate the violence - and claims it was Live Your Life hitmaker T.I.'s fault for not doing enough to prevent the fights.

Beyonce is fierce indeed, topping the national sales chart this week with her new two-CD set "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," which sold 482,000 copies during its first week in stores. It's one of several new releases breaking into the top 10 as the final weeks leading up to Christmas heat up the action from some of pop music’s heaviest hitters.

Behind Beyonce at No. 2 is Canadian rock group Nickelback, whose new “Dark Horse” started out with sales of 326,000 copies. Coming in at No. 3 is “American Idol” champ David Cook, logging a first-week figure of 280,000 for the album bearing his name.

Taylor Swift’s “Fearless,” last week’s No. 1 album, dropped to No. 4 on second-week sales of 217,000 copies. The multinational vocal group Il Divo landed behind Swift at No. 5 with sales of 162,000 copies of its new one, “The Promise,” according to Billboard.

Source:
--Randy Lewis
latimesblogs.latimes.com

Halfway through a 14-year conviction for drug trafficking, musician is one of 14 people to receive pardons.

By Gil Kaufman
mtv.com

Rapper and former Fugees producer John Forté was one of 14 people pardoned by President Bush on Monday, according to Reuters. He had been serving a sentence of 14 years in prison since 2001, after being found guilty of possession of 31 pounds of liquid cocaine with intent to distribute.

The presidential pardons, which were for offenses ranging from distribution of marijuana to unauthorized use of a pesticide, cannot be overruled and can help the recipients find jobs, live in public housing and vote. Bush has received more than 2,000 requests for pardons, which typically come fast and furious near the end of a president's term.

Forté - who studied violin at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire as a youth - co-wrote and produced two songs on the Fugees' Grammy-winning 1996 smash, The Score. Two years later, he released his debut, Poly Sci, on which Fugees member Wyclef Jean has an executive-producer credit.

Forté was arrested in 2000 at Newark International Airport after accepting a briefcase containing $1.4 million worth of cocaine. He released his confessional second album, 2002's I, John, while already serving his sentence at Pennsylvania's Lorreto Federal Penitentiary.

READ FULL STORY mtv.com/news

US government wants fine re-imposed on TV Network

Janet Jackson’s ‘wardrobe malfunction’ during the 2004 Super Bowl has reared its head again, with the US government asking that the original fine be paid.

After Jackson’s nipple was exposed as she performed with Justin Timberlake during their half-time performance, a fine of $550,000 was slapped on TV network CBS by the Federal Communications Commission, who said that they broke indecency rules in front of the 90 million viewers.

A court in Philadelphia subsequently ruled that CBS would not have to pay the fine, as they were not responsible for Jackson’s actions.

Now government prosecutors are requesting that the fine be reinstated, and have gone to the Supreme Court with the case.

According to the AFP, prosecutors have asked the high court to consider "whether the court of appeals erred in holding that the federal communications commission acted arbitrarily and capriciously (...) in determining that the most widely viewed broadcast public nudity in television history fell within the federal prohibitions on broadcast indecency.

Source: www.nme.com/news

On the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs Chart, T.I. holds down the number 3 spot with “Whatever You Like” and number 4 spot with “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna. T-Pain comes in at number 5 with “Can’t Believe It” with Lil Wayne not far behind at number 7 with some help from Bobby Valentino with his mosquito-esq. single “Mrs. Officer”; “weee ohh weee ohhh weee weee ohhh weee…" (sigh). Oh Lil Wayne, the effects your songs have on me I just can’t describe in words; please forgive me.

On the Hot 100 Chart, Oh look its T.I. again! Coming in at number 1 it’s T.I. with “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna; and also grabbing the number 2 spot with “Whatever You Like”. Kanye West sits at a comfortable number 4 with “Heartless”. I love Kanye’s first single off of 808's & Heartbreak “Love Lockdown”, and you all know how much I despise auto-tunes but “Heartless” is just too much to handle. On a brighter note, the video is H.O.T. Akon grabs the number 10 spot with “Right Now (Na Na Na)”.

T.I. has again found his way to the number 1 spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart with his impressive album Paper Trail. I happen to like almost all of his songs on his album! Give that man a Klondike bar! Q-tip sits at number 3 with his new release The Renaissance, while Young Jeezy chills at number 5 with The Recession. Young Jeezy’s album could have been a stunner had he left out the song “Vacation”; what a contradiction to the title of the album. Lil Wayne is at number 8 with The Carter III.

Source: examiner.com

T.I.'s "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna began a third non-consecutive week atop the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on Thursday, while the rapper's former chart-topper "Whatever You Like" continued to hold at #2. Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" rose to a new high of #3 in its 15th week on the chart. Kanye West's "Heartless" opened big at #4, the fourth-highest new entry of the year, and is also the rapper's third top 5 debut this year.

Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" remained at #5, Pink's "So What" slid three to #6, and Britney Spears' "Womanizer" was down one to #7. Kevin Rudolf's "Let It Rock" featuring Lil Wayne dropped one to #8, and Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" traded places with Akon's "Right Now (Na Na Na) with a bump from #10 to #9.

Credit: reuters.com

By Gary Susman
Source: popwatch.ew.com

So Beyoncé wants to play Wonder Woman? Surprisingly, my first impulse was not to gnash my teeth over what a terrible idea this is, though I imagine lots of fanboys might have that reaction. But really, B has been training for ages to step into Lynda Carter's boots and play the DC superheroine on screen.

She already has played a scantily-clad action heroine; she's long been an Amazon princess, and she already has a secret identity. Plus, Warner Bros. has been trying in vain for ages to make a Wonder Woman movie or at least a Justice League movie featuring Wonder Woman; maybe it'll take a star with Beyoncé's name recognition to get the movie greenlit.

Lasso of truth time: Who thinks Beyoncé can make this invisible plane fly? And who would rather deflect bullets with their wrists than watch a Wonder Woman movie starring Beyoncé?

Rihanna's unofficial boyfriend Chris Brown has thrown down a dance-off challenge to R&B rival Usher.

The Take You Down hitmaker, who still denies he is dating the Umbrella singer, says he deserves the title of the best mover in music.

He says, "Usher is a good dancer and he's a great guy but when it comes to dancing I think I'm better.

"I don't mean to sound arrogant but I know I could take him on the dance floor."

Source: showbizspy.com

It looks like things are over for "The Girls Next Door" as we know it. Kendra Wilkinson seems to have found another man. According E! News, Wilkinson is engaged to Philadephia Eagles player Hank Baskett.

Evidently, Hank proposed to Kendra atop Seattle's Space Needle on Nov. 1 as both of their families looked on, a source told E! News.

"He's a fine piece of ass," Wilkinson said about Baskett. "He's hot."

Holly Madison confirmed her split from Hugh Hefner, and now it that Kendra is engaged it looks like she will be packing up and moving out of the Playboy mansion soon.

Source: gaysocialites.com

Jay-Z has spoken about Barack Obama's win in the election, saying "Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run".

The rapper has been vocal of his support for Barack's bid to become the new US President, even holding concerts to encourage his fans to vote.

Now at a rally in Philadelphia, shortly before Barack won the presidency, Jay-Z told onlookers: "I need y'all to be really, really quiet for this. I need you to really understand what I'm telling you".

"Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama's running so we all can fly".

-Source: angryape.com/news

MTV News has posted an outrageous story: the rapper T.I. (Real name: Clifford Harris) was arrested in October 2007, mere hours before he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. The rapper was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to the charges in May as part of a plea deal. But despite a guilty plea and jail time to come, the rapper was allowed to vote in Georgia in the 2008 election. MTV asked:

How was T.I. able to vote? Well, the Georgia Secretary of State's office, in consultation with their own lawyers, "reviewed the law and found that Mr. Harris is eligible to in Georgia because the state constitution says that to be able to vote, you have to have served your entire sentence, which includes all probation and fines and any other stipulations," said Matt Carrothers, the Secretary of State's director of media relations.

Because T.I. is not slated to go to prison until next year on felony gun charges and is not currently incarcerated - though he is under house arrest - and is not on probation, all he had to do was contact the county he votes in and get re-registered in order to cast a ballot.

"Feels like I've taken advantage of my right to become a part of the democracy," T.I. said in the release. "It was definitely worth standing in line and doing all the things people complain about voting. I think it's more than worth it."

READ FULL STORY newsbusters.org

Source: www.mtv.co.uk

Lil Wayne has revealed that he had a 'hand' in delivering his own baby son last week.

As MTV previously reported, Dwayne Carter III, was born on 22 October 2008 at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati and reports claim that some of the midwifery duties were carried out by the newborn baby's father - Lil Wayne.

Speaking to U.S. radio station Power 105.1, Weezy said:

"I delivered him. I held the left leg the whole time. It was nasty, very nasty, but it was wonderful. He's the best thing to ever happen to me, next to my daughter."

The identity of the mother has still not been confirmed but some internet rumours suggest that the mother of new born Dwayne Carter III is a 22-year-old University of Cincinnati student by the name of Sara B.

Source: www.mtv.co.uk

Weezy also misses Boston Monster Jam after security frustration...

Lil Wayne's representatives have denied rumours that the rapper will be joining Jay-Z at Roc Nation.

Recent rumours suggested Jay-Z had signed Wayne to the new label for $5m and the A Milli star was set to start recording in 2009.

The rebuttal comes after Wayne and Jigga were set to co-headline JAMN's 94.5 Monster Jam on Monday in Boston (October 27) but Weezy failed to show, after being told that his camp would have to go through strict security checks.

Reports claim that the metal detector went off several times as members of Weezy's entourage passed through security; Wayne got frustrated with the stringent security measures and decided to leave.

Despite thousands of fans chanting “We want Weezy,” - Wayne and his crew decided against returning to the concert.

Jay-Z was forced to take the stage early and the crowd enjoyed support performances from Ne-Yo, Yung Berg, Brandy, Ray J, and Jadakiss.

The confusion remains...

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Source: www.billboard.com

T.I. remains blazing hot on the Billboard Hot 100, returning to No. 1 for a sixth non-consecutive week with "Whatever You Like." The song sold 205,000 digital copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Another T.I. track, "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna, rises 3-2 and is the greatest gainer at radio.

Pink's "So What" jumps 4-3, while Britney Spears' "Womanizer" falls to No. 4 after a record-setting 96-1 jump the week before. Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold," Rihanna's "Disturbia" and Kevin Rudolf's "Let It Rock" featuring Lil Wayne all hold at positions 5-7.

Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent" is up 9-8, while teen star Taylor Swift earns her third consecutive Hot 100 top 10 single as "Fearless" opens at No. 9. The track sold 162,000 digital copies in its opening frame. Swift's second album, also titled "Fearless," is due Nov. 11.

T-Pain's "Can't Believe It" featuring Lil Wayne" drops 8-10, rounding out the top tier. Akon's "Right Now (Na Na Na) is the chart's top digital gainer after selling 75,000 copies, good enough for a 26-19 jump.

Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight" begins a second week at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, where Montell Jordan's "Me and U" is the top debut at No. 75. It's his first appearance on this chart since 2003.

Source: hollyscoop.com

Another stalker has been detained! A man who referred to himself as Beyonce's lover was arrested in Connecticut yesterday. He was taken after driving recklessly and telling police he was on his way to a date with Beyonce.

Thirty-three year old Robert Williams Jr., from Michigan, was taken into custody in Milford on Sunday after almost smashing into a police car. Officers claim he stopped to ask police for directions to Detroit before driving off, narrowly missing the cop car and driving over a sidewalk.

Williams, who had flowers and a teddy bear in the car, is also alleged to have asked the cops if they were escorting him to New York City, where he claimed Beyonce had agreed to meet him at the George Washington Bridge.

Beyonce wasn't informed of the situation, but hopefully she finds out about it, because this has to be the funniest/weirdest thing we've heard in awhile!

Source: singersroom.com

Rihanna may be on track to earn another #1 hit, her fifth one this year.

Shooting the video for her new single "Rehab" this week, Rihanna spent time with Justin Timberlake who reportedly co-wrote the single and appears in the video.

Slated to premiere in early November, the pop-sensation rocked "Rehab" in a multi-colored, somewhat retro looking leotard on the beach.

But the question is... will "Rehab" be another hit for the international star that has already rocked charts worldwide with "Take A Bow" and "Disturbia"?

With two other 'it' girls back on 'mainstreet' can Rihanna earn another hit.

What do you think, can Rihanna hold her own against Britney Spears and Beyonce?

Source: desihits.com

Right here on Desi Hits!, we brought you the official Sean Kingston 'Bollywood Girls' remix competition! The competition gave international producers the chance to create hot tracks to prove to the world which remixer could create the best cut of 'Bollywood Girls'. It was a tough fight with DJ Suketu claiming the top spot for the majority of the contest! Suketu's remix fought hard against Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Nawed's, which pushed Suketu out of his position at a few different points during the contest. Tigerstyle and The Bilz rose up to the top tier consistently as well. While the other producers added more of a desi flare through an Indian beat or instrument, Suketu specifically used Punjabi and Hindi vocals, making him stand out from the rest! In a DH! exclusive interview, Suketu comments, "We've actually used Punjabi vocals to enhance the whole song and show that Hindi and English go together."

By Cyrus Langhorne
Source: www.sohh.com

Lil' Wayne's assistant testified in a New York court on Monday (October 19) that he "occasionally" saw guns and drugs on the multi-platinum rapper's tour bus.

Wayne was arrested after a performance at New York's Beacon Theatre in July of 2007, after police found a .40 caliber pistol on his bus. According to Newsday, Wayne's assistant Terry Bourgeois took the stand yesterday in regards to the case, to address whether or not he believed there was a gun on the vehicle. Despite saying he had no knowledge of any weapons in the vehicle at the time, Bourgeois did confess to "occasionally" seeing a handgun and people smoking marijuana while on the same tour bus on separate occasions. Although he also said he never saw Wayne in possession of a firearm.

As previously reported by SOHH, police officer testified last month that upon smelling marijuana, she boarded the rapper's bus and witnessed Weezy trying to hide the gun.

Source: www.mtv.co.uk

Alicia Keys leads the pack after receiving five nominations for the 2008 American Music Awards; the nods include artist of the year and favorite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.

Coldplay and the Eagles follow closely with four nominations each; ladies favourite Chris Brown and Hip Hop sensation Lil Wayne bagged three nominations each.

However Lil Wayne has a tough battle on his hands in the Hip Hop album category as he goes against Jay-Z and Kanye West, but few would bet against the Tha Carter III scooping the prize.

The Jonas Brothers are in the limelight once again competing against Colbie Caillat, Flo Rida, Paramore and The-Dream for the Breakthrough artist title.

The prestigious American Music Awards will be held at the Nokia Theatre on 23 November with Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Taylor Swift and the Pussycat Dolls scheduled to perform.

The online voting closes on 7 November.

View Nominees at www.mtv.co.uk

Jay-Z wants to create a super label of his own with Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Jermaine Dupri and 50 Cent on his wish-list according to internet reports.

The Roc star who is already set to work with Norwegian production duo Stargate on a new joint venture rumoured to be called StarRoc. - wants more!

According to Mediatakout.com, Jigga wants the best on his side and an industry insider told the website:

"Jay Z approached 50 Cent earlier this year and now he's talking to Janet and Jermaine Dupri... It seems like a difficult task to get so many big artists under one roof, but I wouldn't put anything past [Jay Z]."

Although these are just rumours there could be some life in it as Janet Jackson left Def Jam this week, 50 Cent's contract is up at the end of the year and well Beyonce is Beyonce!

Source: www.mtv.co.uk

By Daniel Kilkelly
Source: www.digitalspy.co.uk

50 Cent and Kanye West's high-profile feud is a sham, hip-hop star Reverend Run has claimed.

The rappers exchanged harsh words in the press when their albums went head-to-head in September last year, but Rev - real name Joseph Simmons - has suggested that their war was not genuine.

"They are not really fighting. They are friends," he insisted. "That was just a publicity thing for their albums. I think they are really close and nice to each other. That was just a first week sales battle."

50 sparked the battle in August 2007 when he threatened to quit music if his Curtis album was outsold by West's Graduation.

West was set to compete with his rival again by releasing his new disc 808s & Heartbreak in the same week of December as 50's Before I Self Destruct, but he recently moved the date forward by a month.

US rapper Lil Wayne got a shocking birthday present of 1 million dollars in cash from Birdman at his 26th birthday party held in Miami.

According to SFGate.com DJ Khaled and Akon looked on in amazement as the "Got Money" hitmaker opened a briefcase Birdman handed him and discovered it was full of crisp new bills.

A stunned party guest says, "Lil Wayne was left speechless. He was almost in tears when he hugged his friend. I mean, who wouldn't like $1 million as a birthday gift?"
The Club Mansion bash was a lavish affair all round 00 one of the party's main attractions was an ice sculpture full of frozen $100 bills.

The artist with the No. 1 album in the country is going to prison in a few months.

Billboard confirmed Wednesday that rapper T.I., scheduled in a few months to begin serving a one-year prison term for gun possession, has scored his third straight chart-topper. The Atlanta rapper’s sixth album, “Paper Trail” (Grand Hustle/Atlantic), sold 568,000 copies in the last week. He also has the nation’s No. 1 single, “Live Your Life.”

It’s the latest high in a year, and a career, that has also seen plenty of lows. T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr. 28 years ago in Atlanta, was a drug dealer who transformed himself into a best-selling rapper and movie star. But a personal assistant was shot to death in a 2006 gunfight and last year T.I. was arrested for buying machine guns and silencers. After paying a $100,000 fine and doing community service, he will begin serving a one-year term in 2009.

All of which has been prime fodder for his career as one of the best-selling rappers ever to emerge from Atlanta and the “Dirty South” of ghetto misadventure. Much of “Paper Trail” was recorded under unique circumstances: while its maker was under house arrest awaiting trial.

With its cocky, drawling celebrations of his prowess as an indestructible anti-hero, “Paper Trail” is a far more commercial work than his more introspective 2007 release, “T.I. vs. T.I.P.” But it also addresses --- and admittedly exploits --- his real-life legal troubles.

READ FULL STORY AT www.leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2008

By Nick Levine, Music Editor
Source: www.digitalspy.co.uk

Kanye West's planet-sized ego has taken a bit of a battering in recent weeks. The initial response to 'Love Lockdown' - his bravest, strangest single to date - was so scathing that he felt compelled to rework it, beefing up the rhythm track with Japanese Taiko drums and re-recording his vocals.

That's right, vocals. West doesn't actually rap on 'Love Lockdown', preferring to sing, with a lot of help from Auto-Tune, over a house piano riff and those military-style drums. The result is unsettling, a little bit paranoid and much less radio-friendly than the likes of 'Stronger' and 'Homecoming'. An interesting experiment, but why would one of the world's best rappers want to turn himself into a barely adequate singer?

50 Cent recently revealed that he will continue his acting career in a new movie called "Dead Man Running." Danny Dyer, a british actor, told the BBC “It’s about one guy who basically gets in a serious bit of trouble with a real gangster and he’s got one day to live or he’s going to get ironed out if he doesn’t raise the funds,” continuing, “So, it’s basically about a dead man running, which is him, and I play his sidekick who’s trying to get him out of trouble.”Tamer Hassan will also be in the new film with Dyer and 50 Cent.

50 recently was in the high profile movie Righteous Kill with Robert DiNero and Al Pacino. Danny Dyer says he's excited about working with 50, saying “I don't know about him as an actor. He's definitely a presence We come from totally different backgrounds but he's a great artist.”

In related news, 50 has another new movie (which he act in, produce and direct) and a new album both titled Before I Self Destruct. The album is set to be released on December 9th, while the movie doesn't have a set release date yet.

Source: www.rapbasement.com

ATLANTA -- Before his prison sentence starts next year, T.I. wants to knock down his image as a rapper who glorifies the street life.

Perhaps nowhere is that illustrated better than on his new album "Paper Trail," which comes out on Tuesday. Fans won't find any boasts about his days as a hustler or portrayals of himself as a dangerous gangster. Instead, the 28-year-old father of five offers songs about taking responsibility for his mistakes and learning from his criminal past. And tracks that do mention crime do so in a cautionary tone.

"To specifically talk about guns and drugs in that fashion, I won't be able to do that because it's not a part of my life anymore," says the best-selling rapper, who is known for hits such as "Rubberband Man" and "U Don't Know Me."

The melancholy "Dead and Gone" featuring Justin Timberlake may be the album's best example of that, as T.I. makes it clear that he is ready to start a new and positive chapter in his life.

"It's about leaving behind certain ways that aren't conducive to progression," said T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris. "It's also in relation to certain friends that aren't here right now."

T.I., rap's self-proclaimed "King of the South," was sentenced to one year in prison on federal weapons charges after he was arrested last October before the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta for allegedly trying to buy automatic weapons. T.I., who has a prior drug conviction and spent time behind bars for a probation violation a few years ago, is scheduled to start his prison sentence in March 2009 after completing 1,000 of community service. He has spent the last several months speaking to kids and churches, warning about the pitfalls of living a hustler's life.

READ MORE canadianpress.google.com

Kanye West will not be charged with a felony over his arrest on suspicion of vandalism earlier this month.

The hip-hop star was detained at Los Angeles international airport on September 11th after allegedly smashing a photographer's camera.

However, the 31-year-old's offence is not being considered a felony, the Los Angeles country district attorney's office has said.

Instead, the Stronger star may face a possible misdemeanour charge, according to spokesman Frank Mateljan.

Footage of the incident was made public by the celebrity website TMZ.com and appears to show West and his bodyguard grab and then smash a photographer's camera as made their way through the airport.

West and his road manager, Don Crawley, 32, were both arrested and subsequently freed on bail.

An airport spokesman told the BBC after the incident that the camera in question was valued at $10,000 (£5,709).

Source: www.contactmusic.com

By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Sway Calloway

Ludacris welcomed his audience with popcorn and jokes on Thursday night in New York's Tribeca neighborhood, as he gave them a preview of his new LP, Theater of the Mind, and debuted the video for "Undisputed." The clip shows 'Cris in a gym going through lyrical workouts, with flamboyant boxing champ Floyd "Money" Mayweather acting as his corner man.

"A lot of people heard my mutha----in' pool house just burned the f--- down today," he said, after a member of the crowd asked about the fire in Luda's Atlanta home on Wednesday. "I can honestly sit back and laugh at it, because it wasn't my actual house and nobody got hurt.

"Materialistic things can be replaced and you can't replace people," he continued. "But if you could've seen the expensive tiles that was inside that mutha----in' crib - that sh-- upset the hell out of me. For real. It's gonna take a minute to rebuild that mutha----a, too." ('Cris recently boasted about his property in his freestyle "Big A*s House" on his Gangsta Grillz: The Preview mixtape, and according to reports, the pool house alone was larger than most regular homes.)

On Theater of the Mind, 'Cris goes for the jugular, clearly fired up about not getting the recognition he has earned as the most versatile MC to come down the pike since his debut in 2001.

Read full story www.mtv.com

By Jaymo
sixshot.com

An Atlanta judge yesterday (September 22) ordered T.I. to pay more child support to the mother of two of his children after she claimed he wasn't providing enough money.

As reported earlier, Lashon Dixon took T.I. to court earlier this month claiming that the monthly payments of $2000 that she received from the rapper wasn't enough to support her and their two sons.

According to The Associated Press, Judge Bensonetta Tipton ruled Tuesday that T.I. must pay just over $3,000 a month to Dixon.

The Atlanta bred rapper was also ordered to pay for the children's private school tuition, uninsured medical bills and extracurricular activities.

Lil Wayne has cemented his status as one of Hip Hop's hottest properties after receiving an amazing 12 nominations for the third annual BET Hip Hop Awards.

Kanye West was second with seven nominations closely followed by Jay-Z who got six nods. T.I. is hoping he has a better year after being nominated three times. Last year T.I. (real name Clifford Joseph Harris Jr) was arrested hours before he was scheduled to headline the show.

BET will also recognise Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons who helped to launch Def Jam amongst other things, with the "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award.

The highly regarded awards ceremony airs Oct. 23 on the network with returning host Katt Williams.

Source: www.mtv.co.uk

http://view.break.com/566370 - Watch more free videosIt's a second "fan-throwing" scandal for Akon when he was caught on tape throwing two female concertgoers at a show. The incident happened during a packed show in Guyana, South America on Saturday, August 30.

The R'n'B artist was videotaped performing on stage in a black t-shirt and dark-colored jeans. Enthusiastically asking concertgoers to follow in his move, he even danced with one of his male fans onstage.

In between his performances, Akon took his shirt off and tried to "crowdsurf to a camera stand about 100 yards off stage". He finally got there, dancing with two young female fans and two male fans. It was during that time that he grabbed one of the female fans and pushed her into the crowd as she tried to hold his hand. He then grabbed the other lady who tried to embrace him from behind and tossed her into the crowd.

Getting physically aggressive with concertgoer, indeed, isn't something new for Akon. He has on Wednesday, Sept 3 made an appearance for a brief hearing at Fishkill Town Court to ask a judge to grant his request for a jury trial in relation with his earlier fan-tossing case. He's slated to be back in court on December 1.
Source: aceshowbiz.com

By Antoinette Y. Coulton
Source: people.com

Jay-Z sure knows how to pick the bling!

All eyes were on Beyoncé Friday night, when, for the first time, the singer publicly displayed her engagement ring on the red carpet for Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall in N.Y.C.

The singer, 27, who secretly married rapper Jay-Z in April, flashed an 18 carat flawless diamond by Lorraine Schwartz, valued at more than $5 million dollars, according to the jeweler.

Neither Beyoncé nor Jay-Z have publicly confirmed their marriage but in recent weeks, Beyoncé’s younger sister Solange referred to Jay-Z as her brother-in-law during a television interview.

Later in the evening, Beyoncé took off the ring for a performance where she donned a short, blonde wig in tribute to blues singer Etta James whom she portrays in an upcoming movie.

The star-studded event included appearances by Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Tommy Hilfiger, Hayden Panettiere, Paula Abdul, Fergie, Ciara, Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Brown, Terrance Howard, Justin Timberlake and Chace Crawford.

Rapper Sean Kingston admits that he has recorded new singles with Polow Da Don for his second album.

Jamaican American singer and rapper Sean Kingston is on the way of releasing his sophomore effort. In a video blog, Sean Kingston says that he has just recorded four new songs which will later appear on his upcoming second set.

Unfortunately, the title and content of the album are still kept as a top secret. The rapper also refuses to give further information about the release date of his upcoming album and his new singles. He just said that the singles that he has been currently working on are handled in a capable hand of producer Polow Da Don.

Beside recording his new album, Sean has also recently gone to studio to help rap peer Bun B. They have teamed up in Bun B's new song called "That's Gangsta". The song appears as first single in Bun B's latest album "II Trill', which has been dropped to stores on May 20.

Source: aceshowbiz.com

Rapper T.I. has ended Rihanna's two-week reign at the top of the US singles chart.

His track 'Whatever You Like' climbs from 71 to No.1 this week thanks to strong digital sales - the biggest leap to the top in US chart history.

Rihanna's 'Disturbia' slips to second place, with Chris Brown's 'Forever' holding steady in third.

Meanwhile, Pink scores her ninth US top ten hit with new single 'So What', which makes an impressive debut at No.9.

Elsewhere, Leona Lewis's 'Better In Time' continues to scale the Billboard Hot 100, climbing from 33 to 28 this week.

1. (71) T.I.: 'Whatever You Like'
2. (1) Rihanna: 'Disturbia'
3. (3) Chris Brown: 'Forever'
4. (4) Katy Perry: 'I Kissed A Girl'
5. (7) Kardinal Offishall ft. Akon: 'Dangerous'
6. (6) M.I.A: 'Paper Planes'
7. (5) Coldplay: 'Viva La Vida'
8. (9) Ne-Yo: 'Closer'
9. (-) Pink: 'So What'
10. (8) Rihanna: 'Take A Bow'

Source: digitalspy.co.uk

Lil Wayne missed a court date in Yuma County, Arizona, on Tuesday (August 26) because he was recovering from root-canal operations.

The ‘Lollipop’ rapper was scheduled to appear to face drug and weapons charges following his arrest on January 22 (2008), when his tour bus was stopped at a border patrol checkpoint.

Authorities found 105 grams (3.7 ounces) of marijuana, 29 grams (1 ounce) of cocaine, 41 grams (1.45 ounces) of ecstasy, a .40 calibre pistol, and more than $22,000 in cash on board the bus.

Attorney James Tilson told the Yuma Sun (via MTV) that the rapper, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was recovering from oral surgery from several root canal operations and was instructed not to fly by his dentist.

“As a result,” Tilson explains. “The court waived his appearance for that hearing. He still must appear at future hearings.”

Carter has pleaded not guilty to all charges with the next court date set for October 9.

Source: thecelebritytruth.com

Autopsy Results Will Take 8 Weeks

LOS ANGELES -- Rap star Dr. Dre's 20-year-old son has been found dead in Los Angeles.

"Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son Andre Young Jr.," publicist Lori Earl said in a statement.

Young was found by his mother at their home on Saturday.

A Los Angeles county coroner spokesman said that an autopsy was performed Monday but the cause of death is not likely to be determined for eight weeks while toxicology tests are done.

In addition to his own successful career, Dr. Dre has produced songs for the likes of Snoop Dogg and Eminem.

Source: www.kpho.com/entertainment

A Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputy pulled a gun on hip-hop mogul Diddy’s entourage during a routine traffic stop early on Saturday, but the unpleasant incident was swiftly cleared up, according to a spokesman for the artist.

Sean “Diddy” Combs and his crew were driving on Sunset Boulevard in a seven-car convoy when the deputy pulled over one of the cars for having an expired registration tag.

Sheriff’s Dept. spokesman Steve Whitmore said that two others vehicles in the convoy also stopped and several men approached the pulled-over car. Thus, the deputy became concerned, called for backup and pulled out the gun in order to keep the situation under control.

“The men approached the deputy wanting to know what was going on and did so in an aggressive verbal manner,” Steve Whitmore told E! News. “There were about seven of them who walked towards him and the deputy, fearing for his safety, unsheathed his weapon and as soon as he did so, it was over,” he added, as reported by E! Online.

The world watched in awe as Michael Phelps set a new Olympic gold standard Wednesday, winning the 10th and 11th titles of his career. Competing in his third Olympics, Phelps surpassed Olympic legends Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi, Larysa Latynina, and Mark Spitz, who all won nine golds in their careers respectively.

As most athletes know, music can help create a winning mind-frame. Boxers often walk out to the ring with their favorite track blaring in the background. Football and basketball teams can usually be found getting amped up in the locker room to a playlist of songs specifically designed to gear them up for the game. So what does an 11-time Olympic gold medalist listen to while readying himself to break more world records? He calls upon the current gold medalist in Hip Hop--Lil Wayne.

When asked by The Today Show what music he listens to while preparing to swim, Phelps paused before replying "Lil Wayne- 'I'm Me'" which includes the champion-themed lyrics:

"The hottest under the sun/ aint nobody f**kin' wit me, man/ and you already know that pimpin'/...f**k up my dreams; somebody gon' die tonight" and "Aint nothin' gonna stop me, so just envy it/ Hey, I'll accept a friendly quit/ I'm me/ bitch, I'm me/ so who you?/ you're not me/ you're not me/ and I know that aint fair, but i don't care"

Lil Wayne, a champion in his own right, has sold over 2 million copies of Tha Carter 3 in only eight weeks--a feat almost unheard of in today's slumped music industry.
Source: www.hiphopdx.com

By Ian Dransfield

Kanye West seems to be continuing in his quest to win at everything forever.

Not content with taking the world of music by storm, the world of blogging by monsoon, the world of being cool by tsunami and the world of producing by… drizzle… Kanye West is now moving on to the world of making people fat by feeding them fried patties of ground up cow-knees.

Not personally, of course - that would be surreal.

No, Kanye is merely opening ten Fatburger fast food joints around Chicago, rather than actually serving all who walk through their doors with his priceless smile and boundless arrogance. And a burger.

West’s company, KW Foods LLC, have picked up the rights to build the stores around the Chitown area, thus infecting countless local residents with great big wodges of fat to force down their gullets. A sound business move, we’re sure.

But why, aside from wanting to kill lots of people by making them fat, would Kanye West want to open ten fast food ‘restaurants’ (using the term as loosely as possible)?

Maybe it’s to get away from his music career and down to a more homely, normal job than he’s been used to over the last few years? At least working in a burger joint he wouldn’t be all that bothered were he to turn up to work eight hours late.

In fact, he’d just get sacked for that.

READ FULL STORY www.hecklerspray.com

I’m trying really hard not to giggle while I type this post. As we’ve talked about before on this blog, DMX was arrested earlier this month for identity theft - after giving a fake name at a Mayo health clinic to avoid paying a medical bill there.

Apparently during his hearing on Thursday, the Associated Press said DMX rapped for reporters outside of the courtroom and reminded them to get his album on Oct. 14.

“If and when you ever fall down, get back up … Stand for something or fall for everything. Wait for the right pitch, you’ll miss every swing,” DMX said.

If that’s the case, DMX has been striking out more times than Steve Urkel trying to bag a one-night-stand with Laura Winslow (Gasp! A “Family Matters” reference…. did I do that?). May Jaleel White and Kellie Shanygne Williams’ careers both rest in peace.

How awesome would it be if DMX’s trial was televised? I’m already fantasizing how his trial would go down:

“How does the defendant, Mr. Simmons plea?”

“Your honor, I plead, whaaaaaat! Arf arf! Oct. 14, nah mean?”

I guess when it comes to entertainment, “X Gon’ Give it to Ya.” This has got to be one of my favorite celebrity courtroom moments, right up there with Michael Jackson showing up to court in pajamas.

Source: www.suburbarazzi.lohudblogs.com

50 Cent has slapped fast-food chain Taco Bell with a lawsuit for using his name without his expressed permission. The lawsuit claims Taco Bell Corp used his moniker in their 'Why Pay more?' print ad campaign, which suggests that 50 Cent change his name to 79, 89, or 99 Cent, in support of the chain's discounted menu items.

"Without seeking or obtaining Jackson's authorization, defendant Taco Bell made him the star and focus of its nationwide advertising campaign by using his name, persona and trademark to promote Taco Bell's business and products," stated the federal lawsuit.

50 Cent claims the fast-food chain sent a phony letter to the media, but failed to seek his permission or inform him of the request. The rapper's lawyer Peter D. Raymond said his client wasn't aware of the letter until it made the news.

"We know that you adopted the name 50 Cent years ago as a metaphor for change," the letter read. "We at Taco Bell are also huge advocates for change. We encourage you to 'Think Outside the Bun' and hope you accept our offer."

Obviously 50 isn't accepting their offer. Instead, the rapper's is seeking $4 million in damages.

Source: www.theboombox.com

Hip hop can be like professional wrestling. Although there are no official hip hop champions, occasionally in hip hop there is a “franchise champion” a Hulk Hogan, a Rock, a Stone Cold Steve Austin to carry the brand, carry the label. In hip hop it has been arguably, Run DMC, Public Enemy, Hammer, NWA, Biggie, Tupac, Dre, Snoop, Jay Z, Eminem ,50 Cent, Kanye, and now Lil Wayne to carry the hip hop brand, and puts it on his back. Some of these artist have been transitional champions. ie.. a champion in between eras, for instance, Jay Z inherited what was left of the east coast /west coast bullshit and became a mogul. Which artist are or were transitional champions and which endure and “carry the brand” can usually be seen with hindsight. Whatever the case maybe Lil Wayne now sits on top of the hip hop game.

The hype leading up to Lil Wayne's most recent album “Tha Carter III” has not been seen in the music industry in some time. The New Orleans born rapper illustrates how the so-called dying music industry and hip hop along with it how to survive, make money, and thrive. The answer: make good music and it will sell. Tha Carter III, sold more records during the first week of release than any other artist this year with over 1 million copies during the first week. It is one of the highest selling albums this year.

The album features songs that you already know, meaning they have been on radio rotation for months. It is commercially friendly without trying to sound commercial. The albums arrangement is great it provides appetizers such as “3 Peat” and “A milli” which is also getting heavy radio rotation. “Dr. Carter” is clever and reminiscent of something Ice Cube would drop. The Babyface featured “Comfortable” and the guitar driven “Playing With Fire” work and provide great balance.

READ FULL STORY www.blackstate.com

By JOSH TYRANGIEL

Lil Wayne has a smoke-scarred rasp that makes him sound like Redd Foxx covering Bob Dylan. It's hardly the voice you'd expect from a 25-year-old rap star, but then, it's been a busy 25 years.

Born Dwayne Carter Jr. and raised in Hollygrove, a New Orleans neighborhood famous for producing soul singers, Wayne signed his first deal at age 11 after rhyming on a record executive's answering machine. At 12, he distinguished himself by starring as the Tin Man in his gifted middle school's production of The Wiz--and by accidentally shooting himself in the chest with a .44-cal. while imitating Travis Bickle in his bedroom. After teenage years that were lost to the comically awful gangsta group Hot Boys (like 'N Sync with shivs), Wayne went solo and undertook a transformation almost unprecedented in hip-hop. Over four years, he morphed from a mediocre rapper with a thuggish point of view into a savant who merges sex, drugs and politics with a sneaky intellect, a freakish knowledge of pop culture and a voice out of the Delta. Whether Wayne is, as he claims, the "best rapper alive" is no longer even debated in hip-hop or commercial circles. Since June 10, when his latest album, Tha Carter III, sold 1,005,545 copies in its first week, he's been the undisputed champ.

That number would be huge in boom times, but at a moment when most records languish on the racks like Depression apples, it's titanic. It also represents the victory of a business model every bit as counterintuitive as Radiohead's. Most musicians still carefully dole out an album's worth of songs every few years to keep from saturating the market. Vibe magazine counted 77 new Lil Wayne tracks in 2007. Besides coughing out guest verses for seemingly anyone who asked, he sometimes recorded three songs in a night and gave them away on the Internet minutes later on a series of superb mix tapes. In June, just before Tha Carter III went on sale, Wayne announced on YouTube that he'd be releasing the tracks for free on a tape called The Leak.

Read Full Story www.time.com

According to TMZ, DMX has been arrested again:

DMX was arrested again today in Arizona. He showed up for a court hearing, but had a bench warrant out for his arrest, so they busted him. DMX was busted June 27 after he allegedly tried to buy drugs from an undercover officer. He was also busted on June 23, May 9 and May 7.

We’re gotsta give up to DMX - it’s not often that we find ourselves speechless - but yet here we are. Kudos DMX - you done screwed up royally.

Source: Bossip

It remains to be seen whether the man who operated on Kanye West's mom ever operates again.

Dr. Jan Adams' license to practice medicine expired yesterday - not because of patient-related issues or his DUI troubles (which include an arrest earlier today on suspicion of driving under the influence), but because he has yet to cough up child support that he owes his ex, a spokesman for the Medical Board of California confirmed to E! News.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs sent Adams a letter last month informing him that he had 30 days to write a check or risk losing his license, a fate that reportedly also befell him in 2006 for three months, also for failure to pay child support.

Once the doc is back in good standing with his support obligations, renewal of the license can proceed, board rep Russ Heimerich said.

Adams, however, was arrested in the Northern California city of Vallejo early Thursday morning after police spotted him using an off-ramp to get on the freeway. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Solano Superior Court on Monday.

READ FULL STORY www.eonline.com

By Njai Joszor

Kanye West led Tuesday’s 8th Annual BET Award winners earning Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Best Collaboration amongst a night full of rousing performances, show stopping reunions and unforgettable moments.

Kicking off the night, Usher performed his hit “Love In This Club” in a pyrotechnic filled and highly choreographed set setting the pace for an energy filled night of amazing performances. But the ladies claimed the night, when Alicia Keys took the stage to perform her latest hit “Teenage Love Affair” later unveiling a line up of iconic R&B female groups including SWV, En Vouge and TLC. Performing hits including SWV’s “Weak,” En Vouge’s “Hold On,” and TLC’s “Waterfalls,” the ladies brought the house down. Even Kanye West was on his feet, singing along.

"This performance was surreal," SWV's Leanne Lyons said backstage. "When we got the call that Alicia Keys was one of our biggest fans and that she wanted one of her favorite groups from the '90s to perform with her, it humbled us."

Five-Time nominee, T-Pain hit the stage twice at the awards sporting his iced out top hat stating "This industry is my circus," "Ride with the ringleader." The “ringmaster” shared the stage with Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Big Boi, later joining Lil Wayne who closed out the show with “A Milli” and “Lollipop.”

READ FULL STORY www.singersroom.com

Source: www.foxnews.com

NEW YORK - The mother of 50 Cent's son was granted a temporary restraining order against the rapper on Friday, TMZ reported.

As per the order, 50 Cent will have to forfeit any firearms he may have, and any pick-up and drop-off of his 11-year-old son, Marquise, must be "at curbside," according to the Web site.

He's also not allowed to be on any premises with his son's mother, Shaniqua Tompkins.

Tompkins' lawyer Paul Catsandonis said they will be arguing for a permanent restraining order against the rapper next month, TMZ reported. Earlier, Tompkins said that people associated with 50 Cent have made threats against her.

Meanwhile, 50 Cent's lawyers have served Tompkins with a $20 million defamation suit in Connecticut court for accusing 50 Cent of burning down his own house, and trying to kill her and their son, TMZ reported.

He also wants the court to force Tompkins to let him visit Marquise, in accordance with an earlier order, the Web site said.

READ FULL STORY www.foxnews.com

This exclusive brought to you courtesy of OutAroad.com and ThinkTank Marketing

New York, NY - LaFace/Zomba recording artist Usher debuts at No. 1 on SoundScan's Pop and R&B Albums charts with his fifth studio album, Here I Stand. This is the highest debut of the year for a male artist.

Here I Stand is the Atlanta-based singer's second No. 1 debut on the Top 200 Albums chart and his third No. 1 debut on the R&B Albums chart. This week Usher dominates international charts as well, bowing at No. 1 in Canada, Japan (International Chart), Australia, and for the third time in a row, debuts at No. 1 on the UK Albums chart. Additionally, Here I Stand enters Top 5 on album charts in Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Fans and critics have praised the singer/songwriter's newest effort: The New York Times declares, “Usher knows what works in the suave come-ons that have made him the male R&B sex symbol for a generation;” Entertainment Weekly raves, “…Stand’s tunes deserve a place in the dance-floor pantheon;” The Los Angeles Times observes, “… [Here I Stand] a more accomplished version of “Confessions,” the hooks more effortless, the singing even better, the songwriting more consistent.”

By Carolina

No wonder Chris Brown is a happy man. Rihanna recently admitted that she loves her provocative concert costumes so much, she can’t resist taking them home.

I like to push the envelope sometimes. It depends on the mood and the occasion. It’s always fun to take some home. Sometimes I get to do that.

Hope they at least don’t have sex with an open umbrella in the room…that’s ah, that’s bad luck you know

Source: www.tob.hollywood.com

BY ERIC HERMAN and KIM JANSSEN Staff Reporters

A woman testified today that the female who appears in a sex video is her best friend from childhood who was 13 or 14 at the time the tape was made - and that the man in the tape is R&B superstar R. Kelly.

Simha Jamison, 24, said she met Kelly at a gym called Hoops when she was 12. Her friend, the allegedly underage girl, was about six months younger and already knew Kelly, calling him "Godfather."

As time went on, Jamison and her friend would go to downtown Chicago to visit Kelly at his recording studio and hang out, Jamison said. Kelly would sometimes give the girl money - "depending on the situation and the reason she needed it, no less than a hundred, no more than $500."

Jamison said that one day when she was a junior in high school, she saw the sex tape at the house of friends. When she saw the girl who engages in sex with Kelly, "I thought she looked just like my best friend, [the alleged victim]" Jamison said.

She recognized the man on the tape as R. Kelly, she said.

READ FULL STORY www.suntimes.com

P. Diddy taped a video blog and posted it on YouTube, thanking artist Kanye West for making him fall in love with hip-hop again.

P. Diddy confessed in his first video blog, in a “keep it real” moment on YouTube, that in 1986 he saw Run DMC at The Garden, and began his dream of becoming a performer.

He then continued to say, “The other night, I go to the Kanye West concert . . . [I have] nothing but high expectations. Concert changed my life. I ain’t gonna lie. I was so impressed and inspired. It was beautiful man - and I fell in love with hip-hop again.”

Diddy created the video as a thank-you to West for his performance and vision, and for showing him [Diddy] that not all artists have forgotten what it’s all about.

Maybe his re-discovered love for hip-hop will spawn a Making the Band 5? Or a new album from Diddy himself?

Source: www.thecelebritycafe.com

KFC's Chief Marketing Officer James O'Reilly has extended a free meal offer to Rihanna following her recent visit to a KFC location with Chris Brown.

According to OK! Magazine, O'Reilly said the following in an open letter:

"Dear Rihanna:
We were very excited by your and Chris Brown’s recent visit to a Miami-area KFC restaurant. Clearly, like Kentucky Fried Chicken and our founder Colonel Sanders, you two know how to kick it up a few degrees. And, Rihanna, that’s a secret recipe worth sharing with the world. We could feel the heat - literally - in our restaurant that night … so much so that we’d like to invite you and Chris back to any KFC for a free meal including the Colonel’s Hot Wings. Whether lunch or dinner, home or on the road, our doors are always open to you. Think of it as a personal way to send an SOS whenever you crave a little Original Recipe. Like you, KFC is dedicated to supporting charity causes. If you and Chris are again photographed making KFC a “hot” date-night spot, we’ll make a donation to your charity, BELIEVE, which helps underprivileged children. Hearing about your fondness for KFC was music to our ears. Please don’t stop making KFC your favorite mealtime choice. Good luck to you and we hope to see you again soon with or without an Umbrella."

Source: www.hiphop-elements.com

On May 3rd Lyrics To Go, K-Salaam & Beatnick will host a night that promises to be a medley of groundbreaking musical synergy featuring hip-hop legends Dead Prez, Reggae icons Massive B (Bobby Konders & Prince Jabba from Hot 97) and Mixtape King J. Period entitled "Whose World is This Vol. 1" at Brooklyn's own Galapogos Art Space (70 N 6 Street Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11121). The show will also feature appearances from United Front, Oliver North, Blitz the Ambassador, the A-Alikes (RBG) and Jahdan. Umi from RBG will be performing alongside Dead Prez as they perform classic song "Bigger than Hip-Hop" along with the new song "Fallen Soldierz" off of K-Salaam & Beatnick's forthcoming album Whose World Is This? (July 29 release date) Doors for the event open at 9pm, ($15 door) and show starts at 10pm.

New York Landmark To Shine in Lavender, Pink and White in Honor of a Great New Yorker and her #1 album E=MC²

International superstar Mariah Carey, the #1 most successful female recording artist of all time, with more than 160 million sales world­wide - who recently earned her 18th #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Touch My Body,” surpassing Elvis Presley’s long-standing chart record of 17 #1’s.

A lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building, where Mariah will flip the light switch on a scale model of the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building will be lit in pink, lavender and white all weekend to celebrate the album color motif of Mariah’s new album E=MC², which enters at #1 on the Billboard chart this week with the biggest first week Soundscan total of her career, 463,000 units.

The staging will be held at the Fifth Avenue Lobby of Manhattan’s legendary Empire State Building, located at 350 Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets

Recently singer Alicia Keys stirred a hornet's nest with her poorly worded remarks regarding Gangsta rap and who was "to blame" for it.

Keys' comments were published in Blender Magazine about Gangsta rap being "a ploy to convince black people to kill each other." She alluded that it was mainstream media, the record industry and those in power that sanctioned and permitted it to flourish, as if rappers themselves were puppet-like and had no free will.

After a firestorm of negative press, Alicia subsequently released a statement saying her comments were "misrepresented" and that she isn't a "conspiracy theorist" or "a racist."

Blender magazine is standing by their reporting.

50 Cent isn't buying it and told The Showbuzz:

"I don't like Alicia Keys no more though … the same reason why I said that I don't like Oprah Winfrey. I'm prejudice(d). I don't like people who don't like me. If you don't like the content that I write because of my experiences; I am being who I am when I am writing it. I fall into that 'label' as far as you considering artists creating 'Gangsta music,' we fall into that.

Singer says she is shocked by surprise marriage

Rihanna says she had no idea that her mentor, rapper Jay Z, had married Beyoncé Knowles.

The couple are said to have wed in front of 40 guests in New York City on 4 April, although neither has confirmed the rumours.

'I didn't know!' Rihanna, 20, tells People at a benefit for her Believe Foundation. 'No one knew!'

Beyoncé, 26, and Jay Z, 38, are keeping tight-lipped about the wedding. The signer was spotted hiding her hand at a basketball game in Houston last week.

Source: www.nowmagazine.co.uk

This exclusive brought to you courtesy of OutAroad.com and ThinkTank Marketing

Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) and Procter & Gamble’s TAG brand announce the formation of a new hip-hop record label, TAG Records. The new label will be led by hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri, who will act as president of the New York-based venture. As president, Dupri will set the creative vision for the label and play an integral part in identifying and developing its musical talent.

This is a milestone for the music industry as TAG Record’s artists will be supported with a multi-million dollar marketing effort that is unprecedented for any new artist, including television, print, radio, digital and event marketing.

“Today, we make history in the music industry with TAG Records,” said Jermaine Dupri, president of TAG Records. “This label is going to provide new artists with a chance of a lifetime. New artists will receive ten times the typical marketing support - a first in the industry. I’m hand selecting and molding these artists to make history in hip hop.”

By David Jenison

Rick Ross' Trilla proved to be a killer on the charts this week, thumping new releases from Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe, Miley Cyrus and American Idol's Randy Jackson, as well as the latest entries in the powerhouse Now That's What I Call Music! franchise.

The Sunshine State rapper nabbed his second No. 1 album in as many tries, as Trilla moved 198,000 copies for the week ended Sunday, per Nielsen SoundScan numbers.

At a time when hip-hop's focus was on Houston, Oakland and Atlanta, Ross' 2006 breakthrough single "Hustlin' " turned eyes back to the Miami scene. His rookie album, Port of Miami, followed with a No. 1 debut, making the 300-pound rapper one of the few to score consecutive chart-toppers right out of the gate.

"We are thrilled to bring home this hard-fought number one for Rick Ross," said Island Def Jam Music Group chairman Antonio "LA" Reid in a statement. "I'm proud of the work, but more importantly, I'm proud to have Ross cemented among hip-hop's elite, where he belongs."

Read full story at www.eonline.com

Rapper the Game has reportedly been released from jail, just eight days into his 60-day sentence.

The star, real name Jayceon Taylor, was handed the prison term in February after pleading guilty to felony gun charges.

He faced three counts of making criminal threats and possessing a firearm in a school zone during a fight in the middle of a basketball game last year. Two charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement.

But according to TMZ.com, the Game is now a free man after being released early from the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in California on Monday.

The 28-year-old must now complete 150 hours of community service and will be placed on three years probation as per the terms of his plea deal.

Source: www.sfgate.com

This exclusive brought to you courtesy of OutAroad.com and ThinkTank Marketing

Worldwide 100 million-selling megastar Janet Jackson returns to Soundscan’s #1 position on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as her Island Def Jam album debut DISCIPLINE enters at the top on first week sales of 181,075 units, it was announced today by Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. DISCIPLINE marks Janet’s first #1 Soundscan album debut in nearly seven years, since All For You in May 2001.

“Janet delivered an amazing album and Island Def Jam is on a mission to deliver big results for her in every way,” said Mr. Reid. "Janet is musical royalty who only deserves the very best.”

DISCIPLINE was launched on the morning of the album release (February 26th) with a live performance at the Nokia Theatre on New York’s Times Square, broad­cast on ABC’s Good Morning America. Another Times Square performance happened that afternoon, broadcast by MTV’s TRL. Just a few blocks away, pandemonium took over Best Buy for Janet’s in-store CD signing event, which attracted 5000 fans.

This exclusive was brought to you courtesy of OutAroad.com and ThinkTank Marketing

Performer and songwriter Mariah Carey has set April 15th as the in-store date for the most eagerly anticipated album of the year, E=MC². The 11th studio album of her career, E=MC² is the follow-up to The Emancipation Of Mimi, Mariah’s worldwide 10 million selling #1 album, which generated three Grammy awards (including Best Contemporary R&B Album), 2 #1 singles and countless more industry honors during its 18-month stay on the charts.

The first single from E=MC² is “Touch My Body,” written and produced by Mariah Carey, C. “Tricky” Stewart, and The-Dream, and blasting out worldwide on February 12th. The video for “Touch My Body” was directed by feature filmmaker Brett Ratner - internet, cable and network premieres for the video will be announced in the weeks ahead. In addition to C. “Tricky” Stewart and The-Dream, other guest producers joining Mariah on E=MC² will include Jermaine Dupri, DJ Toomp, Stargate, Will I Am, Bryan Michael Cox, Nate "Danjahandz" Hills and James Poyser. E=MC² is executive produced by Mariah Carey and Antonio “LA” Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group.

Troublesome rapper Foxy Brown who requested for an early release in order to travel to California for repair of her electronic ear and implant will not be able to do so - after Acting Justice Melissa C. Jockson of the New York State Supreme Court denied the rapper’s petition.

According to the Associated Press Ms. Brown, 29, right, whose real name is Inga Marchand, complained that her hearing problems were worsening in jail and that she faced serious harm unless her cochlear implant was repaired and reprogrammed. Prosecutors said she could get the treatment she needs in New York. She was sentenced in September to a year in jail for violating probation. She was put on probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault of two manicurists at a Manhattan nail salon in August 2004.

According to Angryape.com US Rapper 50 Cent has dismissed claims that he will be working on Michael Jackson's comeback record, after rumours have been flying around online.

It has been rumoured that the likes of Will.i.am, Akon, Teddy Riley and numerous top-name hip-hop and r&b stars will feature on the album, but 50 has rubbished reports of his involvement.

In a new interview, the rapper says: "It's not true. Anyway, what can you possible teach Michael Jackson about music? Nothing."

Beyonce has won an appeal to uphold a court decision to dismiss a copyright infringement lawsuit, relating to her 2003 chart-topping and Grammy award-winning song, 'Baby Boy'.

According to a statement released on January 2, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit "upheld the 2006 trial court decision dismissing a copyright infringement lawsuit brought against Beyonce".

Jennifer Armour alleged in the lawsuit that her former manager had submitted demo recordings of a song to Matthew Knowles, Beyonce's father and President of Music World Entertainment, and to representatives of Beyonce's record label Columbia Records in late February or early March 2003.

She discovered in litigation, however, that the writing and recording of 'Baby Boy' was substantially complete before Armour claimed to have submitted her demo recording.

The trial court dismissed the case due to the fact that "no reasonable person could conclude that the two songs sounded substantially similar to one another, and the appellate court upheld the dismissal of the case on the grounds that 'Baby Boy' was in existence before Armour allegedly submitted her demos.

Beyonce is relieved that the case was resolved, saying, "It's unfortunate that we had to endure this long legal process, but I am hopeful this decision will allow all of us that were involved to finally move on."

Source: thecelebritytruth.com

Fat Joe
New York, December 11, 2007 - Imperial Records, Terror Squad Entertainment and EMI Music are proud to announce that Fat Joe has received a Grammy nomination for "Make It Rain" featuring Lil Wayne for Best Rap Performance by a group or duo!

One of New York City's finest and respected MCs, Fat Joe has achieved another accomplishment in his exciting career. Fat Joe's Grammy nomination comes on the heels of the news that, "Make It Rain (featuring Lil' Wayne)" has surpassed the 1 million ring tone sales milestone, and 1 million full song downloads was certified Platinum in RIAA's Digital Ringtone program. Me, Myself & I, released on Terror Squad Entertainment through Imperial Records/Virgin in 2006 continues to sell and make a strong statement for independent music. Some of the other impressive milestones Imperial has accomplished with Fat Joe and Terror Squad include Imperial's first Top 10 single in more than 40 years, "Make It Rain (featuring Lil' Wayne)" on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Chart, peaking at #6. The single also reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The album Me, Myself & I, peaking at #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hiphop Album Chart, debuting at #14 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The album also received rave reviews in VIBE, the Source, Washington Post and the LA Times among other publications.

A host of stars including Rihanna, Fergie and Will.i.am, Vanessa Hudgens and Alicia Keys attended this year’s American Music Awards - but there was no doubt that the night belonged to Beyonce.

The singer stole the show with her figure-hugging gold satin gown that showed-off her bootylicious, er, booty to full effect.

The singer joined an exclusive club of artists such as Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith by picking up the International Artist Award of Excellence.

Justin Timberlake was named Pop/Rock's Favourite Male Artist and his album FutureSex/LoveSounds beat off the competition in the Soul/Rhythm & Blues category.

Fergie - who took to the stage in a silver mini-dress and red heels to open the show with a rendition of Fergalicious with Will.i.am - bagged Pop/Rock's Favourite Female Artist.

Other winners included Rihanna and High School Musical 2, which picked up Favourite Soundtrack Album.

Source: www.entertainmentwise.com

Kanye West broke into tears last night when attempting to perform the song "Hey Mama" at a concert in Paris.

Members of the audience told PEOPLE that Kanye had dedicated the song to his mother and began to start performing -- when he suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion. One audience member told the mag, "A back-up singer, the DJ and a guitar player came over to console him. It looked like he might collapse. He just couldn't continue. He just stood there in a spotlight, crying while the band continued playing."

West left the stage, but eventually returned to perform the song "Stronger" with the audience yelling out their support. He is expected to return to the U.S. for his mother's Tuesday funeral in Oklahoma City.

Source: www.tmz.com

Jay-Z's album inspired by the film "American Gangster" scores him another No. 1 album on the U.S. pop chart, selling 425,000 copies in its first week in stores. The rapper withstands a strong second-week showing from the Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden" to earn his 10th album at No. 1, making him only the third artist in history to land 10 or more albums in the pole position.

The rapper is tied at No. 2 with Elvis Presley. Only the Beatles logged more No. 1 albums, with 19. "American Gangster" went to No. 1 without the support of iTunes, as Jay-Z opted not to sell the album via the digital retailer.

Meanwhile, the actual soundtrack to "American Gangster" enters at No. 36 after selling 21,000 copies.

"Long Road Out of Eden" falls to No. 2 after selling 359,000 copies. In two weeks, the Wal-Mart exclusive has sold more than 1 million copies -- sales no doubt buoyed by other retailers beefing up their Eagles inventory from Wal-Mart.

The "Ultimate Hits" collection from country star Garth Brooks enters at No. 3, selling 352,000 copies. The album comes as Brooks has again been playing live, and is pondering multiple-date stints in select cities.

READ FULL STORY: www.latimes.com

It’s been well-publicized that rap mogul Jay-Z mentored Rihanna to her current position as the pop/R&B chart topper. And now his longtime girlfriend, Beyonce Knowles, is calling up a few favors from the “Umbrella” singer.

Namely, the “Bootylicious” one is enlisting the services of a new production team to take her to the next level in the studio. Sources say she wants a more “Rihanna-flavored” follow-up to her platinum “B’Day.”

Dance producer duo The Freemasons are all set to work with Miss Knowles, and they’re confident that the collaboration will yield some amazing results. James Wiltshire (of The Freemasons) told press, “The album is going to be huge. It will rival anything the likes of Britney and Rihanna have done recently.”

Wiltshire added, “Beyonce and her team can see where mistakes were made on the last album. It was very American, very R+B and stripped back. They want to go for a more international sound this time. She wants to hit as many audiences as possible.”

Source: www.celebrity-gossip.net