50 artists recently recorded Prince covers in honor of his 50th birthday this past June 7th. Unfortunately for them, their attempt at an honor has gotten them lawsuits. The irony of it all is that it’s Prince who’s suing them. The purple one’s lawyers are demanding that all copies of the tribute album be destroyed immediately. One single has made it into the top 10 in Norway and the Norwegian press has given popular reviews on the album, so what’s the problem? By law, it’s legal to cover songs of someone else’s material so long as you pay about a 10 cent licensing fee per song. Apparently, that hasn’t been done and no one has made any money from the project.
Timbaland got married on a private island in Aruba last weekend but don’t think that the rapper and mega producer went all out with the fancy stuff. Spies at the wedding site says that the music mogul’s wedding, which the hotel called the code name of ‘Heaven on Earth’, actually featured open mic karaoke and $50,000 worth of flowers. If you compare that to Mariah’s weddings, it’s practically peanuts. Oprah, Madonna, Missy Elliott, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Prince were said to be invited but there’s no official word on just who actually showed. What, Justin Timberlake wasn’t invited? I was kind of imagining him as the wedding singer.
Snoop Dogg was on Big Boy’s Neighborhood on LA’s Power 106 on Wednesday where he said that he recently recorded tracks for Dr. Dre’s highly anticipated and long-delayed new album ‘Detox’. Snoop said “That record is real, it’s coming. You know me, I was starting to doubt it myself and then I went up in there and he played so much music for me it knocked my head off. I see what he got them waiting for, it’s on and poppin. He got records, he got heat.” Snoop has also confirmed that the 10 years in the making project was finished and the Dre was already selecting tracks for the final product.
It has recently been confirmed that soul diva Jill Scott is engaged to drummer Lil Jon Roberts. The singer made the announcement on June 20th while celebrating her Carnegie Hall debut. She got the sold out crowd cheering at the news. Jill was just divorced last year from ex-hubby Lyzel Williams. Here’s to hoping that this marriage turns out better. In a recent interview, Jill said “I’d get married because I want to share all of this with someone. I just mean who I am and the blessings that I have, I want to share it. That’s why I would get married again.”
Kanye West has recently gone to his blog to publicly announce that he’s on the side of the marginally talented and highly annoying Soulja Boy. Kanye wrote “Soulja boy is fresh ass hell and is actually the true meaning of what hip hop is supposed to be. He came from the hood, made his own beats, made up a new saying, new sound and a new dance with one song. He had all of America rapping this summer. If that ain’t Hip Hop then what is?” I’ll tell you why Kanye was in great support of Soulja Boy – it’s because they’re both just way too into themselves.
It looks like things are getting serious between Katy Perry and her boyfriend Travis McCoy. The Gym Class Heroes lead singer has reportedly given her a promise ring. Travis recently opened up in an interview saying “We’re going to spend the whole summer together. She’s going to be on Warped Tour with us, she’s going to be performing. It’s going to be a good time.” He was asked what he like about Katy and he said “She’s super hot, for one. But when I first heard the song, I was like this is going to be a smash. The next thing you know it’s No. 1 on iTunes.” He likes her for her number 1 then? Travis has bought her a diamond ring already by just as a promise ring that she wears on her middle finger. He even adds that he has one too.
Justin Timberlake was in France earlier this week doing a little bit of shopping with his manager Johnny Wright. Next month, the singing and dancing sensation will host the 2008 ESPY Awards to celebrate the year’s best moments in sports. There are currently 4 commercials featuring Justin on ESPN.com that serve as publicity to drum up support for the ESPY awards. The one entitled ‘Time Capsule’ is actually pretty funny. The ESPY Awards will air on July 20 on ESPN. Justin will appear on ‘Live with Jimmy Kimmel’ on July 18 to hype up the show. Other announced presenters for the award ceremony include Zac Efron, Kristen Bell, Luke Wilson, David Beckham and Lance Armstrong.
Rihanna performed on CBS’ The Early Show on Friday morning at New York City’s CBSStudiosPlaza. Her performance is going to air at a later date though. In other news, the 20-year old Barbadian beauty reacently spoke to Extra at the Cartier LOVECHARITY event. When she was asked about her romantic life, the singer replied “No, I am not in love.” Then what is she doing with Chris Brown then? Is it all just an act? Is the R&B crooner getting played by a girl who keeps claiming they’re like brother and sister? If so, it sucks to be him.
Poison is all set to hit the road for a new tour this summer. But the first thing on their agenda as a newly reformed band is to sue their record label. According to a lawsuit which was filed last week in LA Superior court, the band claims that Capitol Records stiffed them by underpaying them royalties for years. They also claim that they were shortchanged by EMI Music Marketing over a deal made back in 2005 for their greatest hits album which also featured a new track called ‘We’re An American Band’. Poison is suing for breach of contract and is seeking damages in excess of $25,000.
Former G-Unit member Young Buck blasted 50 Cent and G-Unit at his concert in Tampa, Florida this past week. He even used the crowd as his own personal therapist to vent his frustration. But since it is 50 who’s behind G-Unit, we shouldn’t be surprised that they’ve fired back in one way or the other. Audio tapes have been mysteriously released to New York DJ Miss Info which feature a blubbering Young Buck begging to stay in the group. Maybe that’s why he’s talking smack. They kicked him out! 50 Cent just showed him who’s the real gangsta in town.
Kanye West got some fans pretty frustrated after the rapper showed up two hours late for a gig. The rapper was supposed to take the stage at Bonnaroo at 2:45AM last weekend but he showed up at 4:25AM. The crowd really tore into him chanting “Kanye sucks” and even threw glow sticks on stage. According to reports, the big delay was caused by his big stage set which took quite a while to put up after Pearl Jam’s appearance. It was a freaking festival gig. Why did he have to have a big stage set up? Those things have to be quick. I’m not surprised that the fans turned on him for being a big diva about his set.
Jay-Z and Beyonce could be teaming up for a duet this summer.
The married couple are rumored to appear on stage together at the O2 Wireless Festival in London, just one week after the rapper controversially headlines Glastonbury. A source said: “Jay-Z is planning a spectacle to end of spectacles. He knows all eyes will be on him when he headlines Glastonbury but he’s actually planning on whipping up something special for Wireless too. He’s been talking to Beyonce about getting her on stage.’
The hip-hop star, who teamed up with Beyonce for her worldwide smash hit ‘Crazy In Love’ and ’03 Bonnie and Clyde’, is also planning to fly in a huge string section and orchestra for the Hyde Park concert.
Since being announced as a Glastonbury headliner, Jay-Z has been criticized by rock royalty, including Oasis star Noel Gallagher, who insists a hip-hop act should not top the bill at the event.
50 Cent has been asked to change his name to 79 Cent by a US fast food chain. The ‘In Da Club’ rapper was challenged by Taco Bell to consider calling himself 79, 89 or 99 Cent to promote the restaurant’s new value menu.
Taco Bell have promised to donate $10,000 to a charity of the rapper’s choice if he also agrees to stop at one of their outlets and rap his order at the drive-thru. The eatery will also treat all the customers at the star’s chosen restaurant to free meals.
Taco Bell President and CEO Greg Creed said in a letter to the singer: “We know that you adopted the name 50 Cent years ago as a metaphor for change. We at Taco Bell are also huge advocates for change. We encourage you to ‘Think Outside the Bun’ and hope you accept our offer.”
50 - real name Curtis Jackson - previously showed his love for fast food during a tour of the UK last year. The hip-hop star reportedly gave a rider to each British concert venue he visited, requesting a KFC chicken bucket served to him on fine china.
Missy Elliot is coming out with her long-awaited new album ‘Block Party’ later this summer. You don’t have to wait that long to see what her album’s like though as her first single has recently dropped. ‘Best, Best’ is and R&B tune with Missy trading her trademark rapping skills for singing. The song was produced by Timbaland’s protégé, Danja. I like it but I don’t love it. Here’s the thing, it’s Missy’s first single in a good while and she’s singing, which isn’t what she’s known for nor is it her forte. If you ask me, she should have come out with a party-sounding rap song and then just came out with this single as her second release just to shock people.
In the music industry, no one is safe from a lawsuit, not even if you’re on their payroll. Rockers Scott Weiland and Eric Kretz of Stone Temple Pilots have been sued by their own record label Atlantic. According to Billboard, the suit claims that lead singer Scott and drummer Eric have threatened to stop performing under their contract and indicated that they would like to end the agreement unless the label makes significant changes. The company wants the group to record a 7th album and deliver up to 2 more if Atlantic decides it wants them. The band has come out with a statement regarding the matter saying that the were surprised by the suit as they were in the middle of what was believed to be cordial discussion on making a new album. They also denied the claims that they threatened to terminate their contract.
Amy Winehouse was rushed to hospital yesterday after collapsing at home. Friends called an ambulance for the troubled singer after she fainted and fell down a flight of stairs. However, 24-year-old Amy sent the emergency services away, insisting her dad Mitch drove her to hospital instead.
A source said: “Amy is really stressed at the moment and is struggling with her husband Blake in prison. This collapse was a real shock for her. Thankfully she came round shortly after she blacked out. When the paramedics came and checked her over she was shaking and accepted she needed to go to hospital.”
Amy’s spokesperson confirmed she had been hospitalised overnight, but insisted the incident was not serious or drugs related. The representative said: “Amy was at home when she briefly fainted. Fortunately her manager’s assistant was there. She quickly recovered and her father Mitch took her to hospital as a precaution. Doctors are unsure of the cause of the incident and Amy is undergoing tests.”
Amy reportedly suffered a sprained ankle when she fell.
Most industry insiders are saying that Madonna or Mariah Carey would be the top-selling album of the year. However, some think that it’s not the case. Some people are saying that both divas will get beat for biggest sales of the year by rapper Lil Wayne. It turns out that his album was helped out by all the internet leaks of his songs. Industry experts are saying that it’s the most effective free publicity. Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Carter III’ came out on Tuesday so exact numbers are yet to come in but his label estimates that the album will sell around 850,000 to 950,000 on its first week. If that is the case, he’s a shoe-in.
Jay Z has praised the rhyming skills of Kanye West.
Last month MTV bosses voted Chicago rapper Kanye top of a list of “Hottest MCs In The Game” and now New York man Jay has shown his love.
Jay, real-name Shawn Carter, told MTV: “He’s a complete package now, he’s working on his craft as an MC.” He explained: “In the beginning, his flow wasn’t as tight His flow was lacking in my opinion.”
Aside from his razor-sharp rhyming skills, Jay is keen to highlight West’s lyrical talent.
He said: “The hooks were incredible and the lyrics - he really takes a lot of pride in what he writes. That happiness is seeing his evolution from the first album to now.”
Apparently the record label doesn’t have much faith in Janet’s latest album Discipline. Unfortunately for Janet, that means they’ve stopped promotion on the album, which means it’s pretty much going to flop.
Janet says, “We started off with [the single] Feedback and the label and myself haven’t quite seen eye to eye since the Feedback single so they’ve kind of basically stopped all promotion. I’m trying to figure out a way to say this, but just to say it and to be quite honest, they just stopped all promotion whatsoever on the album, so I don’t think you’re going to hear another single off the album.”
Timbaland got married on Tuesday. The record producer and long-term partner Monique Idlett, who works as a music publicist, opted for a low key ceremony and wore sweat pants as they secretly tied the knot in front of a family pastor in a church in Virginia.
The newlywed couple are also planning to hold a formal ceremony in front of friends and family in the Caribbean island of Aruba on June 22.
Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Z. Mosley, and Monique welcomed their first daughter Reign in November.
The 37-year-old music mogul - who has collaborated with Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado and Madonna - proposed to Monique at Reign’s baby shower last October.
Timbaland isn’t the only celebrity to wed in secret recently. Former Destiny’s Child singer Beyonce Knowles and hip-hop star Jay-Z married in the musician’s New York apartment in April, while Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon held an impromptu beachside ceremony in the Bahamas following their whirlwind romance.
Warren G was pulled over early Sunday morning after running a red light. After which, he was charged with possession with intent to sell after police found a large amount of marijuana in the car. The rapper denied that the pot was his. Whether it was or it wasn’t, it doesn’t matter anymore. Just a day after the incident, an LA County District Attorney threw out the drug charges against the rapper. Apparently, there is insufficient evidence to connect Warren and the person with him in the car to the weed found in the car as the vehicle was not registered to either of them.
Snoop Dogg recently had a sit down interview for the new issue of Esquire magazine. Here’s something that stuck out for me: “A lot of people like to fool you and say that you’re not smart if you never went to college, but common sense rules over everything. That’s what I learned from selling crack.” There’s such a thing as book smart and street smart. I guess Snoop falls into the street smart category. And when I say street, I mean street. If you get the idea, you know there are a lot of really hard lessons there – like several charges and guns pointed at you.
Radiohead was a revolutionary band by giving away its latest album for pretty much nothing. Now, we can all get our hands on all of the band’s stuff before ‘In Rainbows’ on iTunes. The band previously only allowed its record label to sell its albums digitally on music services in album form. That means that you can’t just buy singles. Apple refused to do it so Radiohead declined to sell their music on iTunes – that is until the album ‘In Rainbows’ for songs a la carte sale following its pricing-optional debut. I just want them to admit it – money almost always wins over artistry.
According to a lawsuit filed earlier this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Sex Pistols singer Johnny Rotten allegedly beat the crap out of a female assistant and cussed her out after the taping of a television show in 2007. In the lawsuit Roxane Davis claimed that Rotten “cocked back his fist … and punched her in the face” when the rocker ended up in a hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel that didn’t share a door with his other assistant named Rambo. She claims that both Rotten and Rambo went on a verbal tirade against her. Davis was an employee of the show that Rotten was working on. She says she reported the incident to her supervisor but that no one paid any mind to her.
Amy Winehouse must stop singing if it means she wins her drugs battle, says the man who discovered her.
Nick Godwyn signed the singer when she was just 16 – and claims her ambition back then was to be a waitress.
Nick dismissed claims that the troubled singer is throwing away her talent, but says he is saddened by what has happened to her since she shot to fame. He said: “What is happening now is not very pleasant for anybody to watch. I feel she seems to be sad. People talk about wasted talent, but I don’t look at it like that. If Amy never made another record again it would be sad, but it’s less about the music for me and more about ‘this is a human being that maybe isn’t very happy’.”
Nick also revealed he discovered Amy - who has allegedly battled alcohol, drugs and a eating disorder since becoming famous - after one of the ‘Rehab’ singer’s friends played him a tape of her singing. He explained: “I was at the house of one of my other artists when he put on a tape. I asked who it was and he said just a friend. I couldn’t believe how good she sounded so I asked her to meet me. I asked Amy what she wanted to do with her life and she said she wanted to be a waitress.”
Nick admits her early lyrics provided an indicator that Amy, now 24, wasn’t happy even back then. He added: “There were signs, even back then, that she wasn’t happy. You can listen to the words of her songs and there aren’t many happy, upbeat love songs. And I think that’s a reflection of where she is. She only writes songs from personal experience. There are some beautiful songs which, lyrically, are fascinating. But some of them are quite sad.”
While it has been deemed that R&B singer Sean Levert died of natural causes while in prison, it’s not stopping his widow from filing a lawsuit against jail officials who she accuses of failing to look after his medical condition. Levert died on March 30 after falling ill in jail. The exact cause was determined to be natural causes as he had high blood pressure. However, his widow, Angela Lowe, says that jail officials didn’t look after his medical condition properly and is now seeking unspecified damages. Sean was in jail serving a 22-month sentence for skipping out of child support.
Alicia Keys performed on stage during the HOT 97 Summer Jam presented at Giants Stadium on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The singer recently spoke to Free Press about her latest album ‘As I Am’ and what it was like to make it. She said “Every time is a learning process. Honestly, I mean, I bet you can ask the Rolling Stones and they would say every time is a learning process. You definitely get more confident and more clear as time goes on. For me, at least, I always try something different and that’s just part of who I am and what I like to do, not only musically but as a performer as well.”
While they haven’t publicly announced that they’re dating, R&B royal couple Rihanna and Chris Brown threw matching peace signs while sitting in the audience at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards which was held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California on Sunday. Were they together on a date? Through the course of the show, Rihanna was seen affectionately touching her boy toy’s head. They are so cute! They should really just admit that they’re together already. If they’re already showing so many public displays of affection, I just don’t get why they still don’t want to admit to anything.
A lot of times, when a small time singer says a big time star copied their song and sues, they just want to score a big pay day. However, this isn’t one of those times. Karma Ann Swanepoel sings a folk song called ‘Once’ which is very prominently featured in rapper Lil Wayne’s hit song ‘I Feel Like Dying’. In a lawsuit, Karma says that the rapper’s label has actually been trying to make a deal to use her song but no agreements were made. However, Lil Wayne has been pimping out his song on MySpace, YouTube and even on his tour. Now, Karma is seeking for her dues.
