Monday Memo

Rap legend DJ Kool  Herk was recently released from the hospital after an illness. Although the nature of the  illness hasn't been disclosed, it's been reported that he does not have insurance to cover medical expenses. Chris Brown's lawyer will head to court of have the restraining order filed by ex-girlfriend Rihanna lifted. The order states he is to stay at least 30 yards away, the only exception is at events. He is then to stay at least 10 yards away. The lift still has to be approved, however. Rapper Cory Gunz stated in an interview with bet.com that he's blessed to be where his is at this point in his career. The Bronx born MC has signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, joining a roster that includes, Nicki  Minaj, Drake and Tyga. He also indicated that he initially wanted to sign with Eminem's Shady Records. No deal was ever worked out, but the rapper states everything happens for a reason. Eminem's in the process of revamping  his Shady Records with the signing of Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf. Gunz says he has respect for those artist on a colleague level. Still no word on when  he will release a project. Rumors are swirling about whether Beyonce will work with producers M.I.A. on her next release. Diplo, one third of the production team posted comments on the blog for his record label, Mad Decent. He stated that the group was in the studio with the singer, but the track was not finished. Other possible collaborators could include S1, Jim Jonzin and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. Stay tuned as this story develops. The film "The Rite" topped the weekend box office earning over $15 million dollars. "No Strings Attached", "The Green Hornet", "The King's Speech" and "True Grit" round out the top five films of the week. Fans of the Fox show "Human Target" won't be surprised to know that the network is moving the show's time slot, yet again, the tenth move in less than two seasons. "Lie To Me" will have a season finale that will end with a very clever, nasty twist. On the tube: "Human Target" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelor" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

A woman is suing Sean "Diddy" Combs for over 9 million dollars claiming that he and his ex, Kim Porter, were responsible for the 911 attacks. She also claims Combs stole a gambling chip from her. No word on when a hearing will be held. Last night's "American Idol" didn't go as well for one contestant as expected. After what can only be called a lackluster audition the woman claimed that she may have sang a little too fast for the judges. Be sure to pick up the latest issue of Jet magazine with "Real Housewives Of Atlanta" star Kandi Burriss on the cover. She discusses her new CD, "Kandi Koded", the new season of the show and how she gets along with her fellow cast members. Sean "Diddy" Combs appears on the cover of the latest issue of The Source. He discusses his new CD and what's next for him. Actor Charlie Sheen has been released from a Los Angeles hospital after suffering abdominal pains. Here's hoping the actor and father gets the help he needs. Terry McMillan, author of "Waiting To Exhale" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" reportedly tweeted that the children of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are being pimped. She later apologized for the remark stating that she was not aware that it would go viral. Actor Jason Statham will star in the remake of the Charles Bronson film "The Mechanic". It will be the first action film of 2011. The actor plays Arthur Bishop, a mechanic, who is happy to tune someone up or take a mark to the salvage yard if the money is right. He's not as stone faced and silent as the Bronson character in the original, but he' nearly mute by today's standards. The film hits theaters this weekend. Nicki  Minaj will be the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" this weekend.  "A Weekend Of Stars: Tribute To Chaka Khan" airs this weekend as well.  In theaters this weekend: "The Mechanic" and "The Rite". On the tube: "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, "NCIS: Los Angeles" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

West Coast rap legend Ice Cube is set to begin a tour in support of his latest CD, "I Am The West". The tour will begin in February. Pop star Lady Gaga will reportedly have her own doll dressed in her favorite attire. No word on when the doll will hit store shelves. In an interview with bet.com, Telib Kweli recounted how he became Twitter friends with MC Hammer and was invited to record some material in Hammer's home studio. He also stated that the two had done a show in Oakland with Dave Chappelle. No word on when the recorded material will be released or if Hammer joined him in the studio. Sports Illustrated will host a super bowl bash featuring the Black Eyed Peas. Joining the band will be deejays will.i.am and David Guetta along with Sports Illustrated swimsuit models Christine Teigen, Anne V., Julie Henderson and Genevieve Morton. "Sports Illustrated Presents: The Official Black Eyed Peas Friday NightB4 XLVParty" will be Friday, Feb. 4 at the Tower Building in Fair Park in Dallas. Actor John Travolta is in talks to star in a biopic as John Gotti, the Gambino family crime boss so adept at avoiding conviction that he was nicknamed "The Teflon Don". Director Nick Cassavetes will write the script with unconfirmed reports that this year's Oscars host James Franco will play John Gotti Jr, whom prosecutors tried unsuccessfully to prove was running his father's operations while he was in prison. No word on when the film will hit theaters. Fox's "American Idol" will air tonight with more hopefuls trying to impress judges. It remains to be seen who will make the final cut. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

It looks like rapper Nas' financial troubles have just gotten worse.  The Queensbridge MC has been hit with a $6.46 million tax lien by the IRS. According to the lien filed against him last fall, he hasn't made the $420 monthly payments on his Queens condo since January 2010. He now owes $3,860 to the Condo managers. He was reportedly hit with a $2,584,236 lien October 16, 2009, a $3,365,671 on February 3, 2010 and $514,298 lien from the New York Register of Deeds January 10 of this year. Nas couldn't be reached for comment. Tracy Marrow Jr, son or legendary West coast rap artist, Ice T, was arrested for public indecency after leaving a strip club  to use the bathroom. He was released on $100,000 bail. .40 Glock of G Unit was arrested after police found a loaded gun in his car. The rapper was released on $5,000 bail. He was visiting his old stomping grounds when the incident occurred. He was warned to stay away from the area by police because reportedly when he's there the crime rate goes up. Dr. Conrad Murray plead not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson yesterday. Jury selection for his trial will take place in March. Snoop Dogg posted a video on You Tube asking Lady Gaga to record a song with the West coast rap superstar. No word on if or when the two will go into the studio. It's another round of auditions on Fox's "American Idol" tonight and only time will tell which contestants will make the final cut. Even more so, who will win the grand prize. Former "Beverly Hills 90210" hunks Luke Perry and Jason Priestley will team up for the Hallmark Movie Channel film "Goodnight For Justice". Priestley will direct the film, which premieres on Saturday. Perry plays a 10th-Century circuit judge in Wyoming Territory. On the tube: "American Idol' on Fox, "Live To Dance" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

An 8-year-old boy has been proven to be rapper Lil Wayne's son. As mentioned previously, the child's grandmother appeared in court to prove paternity of the child while the New Orleans MC was incarcerated. There's been no word on whether a child support hearing will be held. In other Lil Wayne news, the rapper will embark on his first tour since being released from Riker's Island. He, along with Nicki Minaj, Travis Barker and Mixmaster Mike will appear on the "I am Music Tour 2". The tour is set to begin in Buffalo NY on March 18 and end in Vancouver, Canada April 29. Wayne will also take the stage independent of the tour at East Rutherford NJ on May 1. Additional dates will be added soon. Drake is in talks to star in the film "Arbitrage" opposite Al Pachino and Susan Surandon. It's unclear what role the platinum rapper will play. Nicholas Jarecki of "The Outsider" fame, will write and direct the film. Drake first rose to prominence as Jimmy Brooks in "Degrassi: The Next Generation". Since then, the rapper has had a difficult time finding projects to his liking. He stated in an interview that he's reading scripts, but is being offered typical projects that would be offered to new artists. Talk show host  Oprah Winfrey revealed her family secret on her daytime talk show yesterday. She has a sister. The woman's father has not been revealed, however. Former CW show "The Game" airs on BET tonight. The show has been given a new lease on life thanks to viewers. The Academy Award nominations were announced today, and "The King's Speech" received 12 nominations, including best picture, actor, director, supporting actress and supporting actor. Colin Firth is considered a front runner for best actor in "King George 4". To the surprise of many, "True Grit" earned 10 nominations including best picture, director, actor and supporting actress. "Inception" received eight nominations, while "The Fighter" received seven. James Franco will host the show, which will air on Feb. 27. On DVD: "Red". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "No Ordinary Family" on ABC and "Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

"No Strings Attached" topped the weekend box office earning over $20 million dollars. "The Green Hornet", "The Dilemma", "The King's Speech" and "True Grit" round out the top five films of the week. A recording studio owned by rapper Julez Santana was raided by police over the weekend after a ten month long investigation. Police found a 9mm handgun, marijuana and other paraphernalia in the raid. No word on when or if charges will be filed. Nicki Minaj's London tour has been filled with pandemonium, to say the least. The rapper has been getting mobbed everywhere she goes, and now the hotel where she was staying has kicked her out. She also reportedly was caught taking pictures of Buckingham Palace. She and her entourage were asked to leave. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey will reveal a family secret on her show today. She says it's something that shook her to her core.  Rapper Yo Gotti has been cleared of all charges stemming from a November 29 club shooting in which five men were wounded. Gotti and nine other men were charged with aggravated riot after a melee gone wrong in the parking lot of Level 2 entertainment in his native Memphis. Reportedly the incident started after Gotti and his friend Corey McClendon got into an argument.  According to court documents, the fight escalated into a full-on brawl after rapper OG punched McClendon. Eight other men jumped into the fight. The charges were dropped reportedly because there were not enough witnesses. Tonight's episode of "Chuck" will find Sarah teaming with Chuck's  mom to stop the evil Alexei. Chaz Bono received a standing ovation after the premiere of his documentary "Becoming Chaz". The film chronicles his gender re-assignment. He says "when you're true to yourself, people appreciate it". On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelor" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Thursday Dish

Rapper Lil Wayne will appear on the cover of the next issue of Rolling Stone magazine. The rapper discusses the jail time he served and his plans for the future in the issue. Willow Smith is reportedly in talks to star in the remake of the hit Broadway musical "Annie".  No deal has been finalized as yet. Stay tuned. Kim and Kourtney Kardashian will document the opening of their new clothing boutique Dash on "Kim & Kourtney Take New York" airing Sunday at 10:00 p.m. The show is a spinoff of the successful "Keeping Up With The Kardashians". The Grammy Awards will air next month and music's biggest night is sure to be one for the record books. The show will air on CBS. "American Idol" kicked of it's tenth season last night, and the dynamic has changed at the Fox hit. The judges made it clear that they want young hopefuls to like them, not fear them. Jennifer Lopez comes off like a more businesslike version of supportive, nurturing former judge Paula Abdul. Steven Tyler, on the other hand, brings the goofy unpredictability that was Abdul's calling card for all of her eight seasons spent on the show. Randy Jackson is the one who keeps things going and reins in the other judges when things get a little silly. Tonight, the show will hold auditions from New Orleans. It has certainly gotten back on track after a few rocky years. Actor Blair Underwood, star of the NBC hit "The Event", talked with Entertainment Weekly about what's in store for fans when the show returns on Feb. 28. He stated that the show will revamp the way it's told the story of a group of detainees who may or may not be of this world. Roger Bart will join the cast as the White House Chief Of Staff along with Virginia Madsen as the widow of  a United States senator from Alaska who assumes her husband's post. "American Idol" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Rapper Jim Jones was involved in a car accident. Although the car he was driving was totaled, he suffered no serious injuries. Just when it appeared that Kelis may have to pay her former housekeeper, it turns out she may not have to pay at all. Reportedly, the woman is an  illegal alien. She earned $150 per day and worked once a week. Sources say the maid is looking into ways to be compensated and is in search of a lawyer to see if she can file a motion with the California Labor Commission. Stay tuned as this story develops. Those who have been wondering when rapper/producer Dr Dre's long awaited "Detox" CD will be released will have to wait a little longer. The good doctor reportedly posted a video tape of himself implying that the disk will be released on April 24. The problem, there's been no confirmation or denial. Stay tuned. Just for those who were unaware, rapper Nicki Minaj can be quite the twitter prankster when she choses.  She was on location with Rihanna  filming the video for her single "Fly" when Rihanna posted a picture of the two on twitter along with a note that read "me and Nicki in our new crib". Minaj flirtatiously responded and the internet was all a buzz. Minaj went on the Ryan Seacrest radio show to clear up the rumor. The two are definitely not living together. The new season of "American Idol" begins tonight. Not only will there be two new judges in the judges chairs, but Fox has also moved the show's air days and times. It will now air on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The auditions begin tonight and only time will tell who will win the grand prize. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "Live To Dance" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Rapper Kanye West is set to make his screen debut as a gay jazz pianist in the 1930's. The project is being financed by Will Smith, Jay Z and Oprah Winfrey. No word on when the film will hit theaters. In other Kanye West news, his latest CD, "My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted, Fantasy" has shipped over one million units. He also denied dissing Brittney Spears. He reportedly took to Twitter to start a beef with the pop singer after her new single "Hold It Against Me" topped the charts. He was accused by MSNBC of trying to get a rise out of Spears. He stated that he's happy for the star. Usher cancelled two more concerts on his European tour. As mentioned previously, he took the stage in Germany only to have his voice go out. He reportedly has a respiratory infection and will have to rest. 50 Cent is in the studio working on his fifth CD. No word on when the disk will hit stores. Nicki Minaj will be the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" on Jan 29. Check your local listings. As most know, "American Idol" returns to Fox this month and auditions to determine who will make the show have begun. Contestants can also audition via My Space. The winners will be flown to Los Angeles to audition for "Idol" executive producers and then judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. The new cable network owned by Oprah Winfrey, OWN, is receiving some criticism in the African American community. Some say the shows should include more African Americans. So far, no comment from Ms Winfrey. Some are still talking about whether comic/writer/actor Ricky Gervais, who hosted Sunday's Golden Globe Awards, went too far with his jokes. So far, there's been no comment from his employers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. On DVD: "Raging Bull" and "The Social Network". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "No Ordinary Family" on ABC and "Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Friday Facts

Singer Usher's European tour hasn't gotten off to a very good start. The singer postponed a performance in Germany from Wednesday to Thursday (yesterday) and his voice went out when he took the stage. The audience booed as he left the stage. As mentioned previously, the stock of the company that manufactures rapper 50 Cent's signature headphone line soared when the rapper posted a tweet advising followers to purchase stock in the company. He hasn't tweeted recently, and the stock has since plummeted.  Be sure to pick up the latest issue of Jet magazine, featuring the cast of the hit show "The Game". They discuss what's in store for fans as the new season gets underway and how it feels to have the show back on the air. In other "The Game" news, fans won't see much of Kelly Pitts this season. That's due to the fact that she appears in only six of the thirteen episodes taped. The actress says she believes it may be a financial decision and also due to appearing on BET as opposed to the CW. At any rate, you can catch the show on Tuesdays at 11 p.m. on BET. If you missed the premiere of "Love That Girl' on Monday, you can catch an encore episode tonight at 7p.m. on TV One. The Golden Globe Awards will air Sunday night, and from all indications, don't expect a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Oscars. The producers say they would like the show to be viewed as a night of frivolous fun and not about preparing for the Oscars. In theaters this weekend: "The Dilemma" and "The Green Hornet". On the tube: "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, "Medium" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

An investigation has now been launched to determine if rapper 50 Cent has violated insider trading rules. As mentioned previously, the rapper took to Twitter to advise fans to purchase stock in the company that manufactures his signature headphone line. Stay tuned as this story develops. In other 50 news, he appears on the cover of the latest issue of Black Enterprise magazine. He discusses his business ventures and what's next in the issue. He certainly has become an astute business man. Eminem has signed Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf to his Shady Records label. While rumors persisted that Slaughterhouse would ink a deal with the Detroit MC due to appearing with him in Drake's "Forever" video, Yelawolf's signing has come as a surprise. The Alabama born MC says he's ready to "kill it". Eminem, along with his two new acts, will appear on the cover of the next issue of XXL magazine. The issue will hit newsstands on February 8.   "Wipeout" continues tonight with more challenges for contestants. As mentioned previously, both the Tuesday and Thursday night shows have become a hit with fans and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. "The Big Bang Theory" continues it's hit making run as well. The show is funny and well written and acted as well. While quite a bit of buzz has surrounded the film "Green Hornet", time will tell if it lives up to it's hype. The film, which will hit theaters tomorrow, is filled with plenty of action and special effects and should be a hit with comic book film fans. On the tube: "Million Dollar Money Drop" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

A judge has ruled that Dr Conrad Murray will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. His license has also been suspended. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison. Mashonda, ex-wife of producer Swizz Beats, will star in a reality show titled "Love & Hip Hop". The show, which will focus on women  in the music industry, will also star the girlfriends of Jim Jones and Fabulous and Olivia, former member of GUnit. Congratulations to actress Tia Mowry of the hit show "The Game" are in order. She is expecting her first child in July. She will also document the event in a reality show for the Style Network. Rapper Snoop Dog has announced that he's inked a deal with Pony International to start his own sneaker line. No word on when the sneakers will hit stores. As if he hasn't already achieved enough in both music and business, Jay Z has invested in Buffalo Boss in his native Brooklyn. the eatery, which serves organic chicken without hormones, is owned by Jay, his mother Gloria, his sister Andrea and his cousin Jamar White. In other Jay Z news, the first single from his project with Kanye West called "H.A.M." was leaked today. Sad news out of Hollywood. Actor David Nelson, who starred on the show "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" has died. He was 74. According to a spokesperson, he died at his home in Century City CA of complications from colon cancer. Born in New York City, Nelson attended the University Of Southern California before joining his family on the small screen. "The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet" aired on ABC from 1952 to 1966 and some of the story lines where taken from the stars own lives. He is survived by his wife Yvonne, four sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren. A service will be held on Thursday at Pierce Brothers Westwood Mortuary. On the tube: "Human Target" on Fox, "Live To Dance" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Minute  To Win It" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Rapper 50 Cent has become the latest artist to design his own brand of signature headphones. In partnership with Sleek Audio, the Queens MC-turned mogul has placed the  headphones on the market that range from $300 to $400 in price. In other 50 news, he took to twitter to advise followers to invest in TV Goods. Since his tweet, the company's stock as risen 355% The rumor mill is buzzing about singer Brandy expecting. There has been no confirmation as yet. Fans will recall it's also been rumored that she's been dating "106 & Park" co-host Terrence J for some time. A coroner's official says Michael Jackson was, for the most part, healthy, but that the singer's physician, Dr Conrad Murray provided substandard care. Dr Christopher Rogers testified during a preliminary hearing after which a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for Dr Murray to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter. Dr Rogers says Murray was improperly using the powerful anesthetic propofol to treat the singer for insomnia. He also says Murray was wrong to leave Jackson's side while he was under the anesthesia. Murray could face up to four years in prison if convicted. Apparently, Kanye West had several choices when it came to photos for his latest album.  After much debate, what fans see on the CD cover is what was decided upon. The CBS hit "The Good Wife" returns tonight. The episode will find Alicia wondering whether she should turn her client's son against his girlfriend and which way to turn should her law firm break up. "Survivor" returns with a new cast of 16 contestants who will compete for the $1 million dollar prize. No word on when the new season premieres. The soon to be released film "Green Lantern" has been generating a lot of buzz and it's sure to be a huge hit with comic book film fans. The film hits theaters this spring. Kanye West an Jay Z have a new single in stores this week. On DVD: "Raging Bull" and "The Social Network". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "No Ordinary Family" on ABC and "Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

"True Grit" topped the weekend box office earning over $15 million dollars. "Little Fockers", "Season Of The Witch", "TRON: Legacy" and "Black Swan" round out the top five films of the week. New information in the 1997 murder of Notorious B.I.G. has emerged. Although no details have been revealed, authorities have reopened their investigation into the case. Notorious B.I.G. was murdered in Los Angeles after attending a party at the Peterson Automotive Museum. With the help of LAPD detective Russell Pool, Voletta Wallace, the mother of the slain rapper, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the LAPD in 2005. A special task force including the Los Angeles Police Department, the LA District Attorney's Office and the FBI are looking into new leads. Stay tuned as this story develops. The Game has been ordered to  pay roughly $50,000 for allegedly beating his cousin during a funeral in 2008. Two years ago, Robert Kirkwood, Games's cousin, filed a suit accusing the rapper of assaulting him during his sister's funeral after he confronted him about not contributing to the funeral's cost.  Reportedly, the ruling was made in LA Superior Court a few months ago. Game must now pay $50,580 for Kirkwood's medical bills and other damages. Kirkwood's lawyer says Game has yet to make a payment. Singer Jermaine Jackson is stuck in Africa. The singer took a recent trip to the continent, the only problem is he is $90,000 behind in child support payments. According to California law, payments are flagged and if the payments are not made passports can be expire. Jackson can plead his case with the U. S embassy. Stay tuned as this story develops. Fox will air back to back episodes of "Lie To Me" tonight. For cable viewers, the show "Love That Girl" will debut on TV One. The show stars Tatiana Ali and is executive produced by Martin Lawrence. It airs at 9pm. On the tube: "Lie To Me" on  Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelor" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

It looks like Tameka "Tiny" Cottle won't be joining her husband, rapper T.I., in prison after all. Drug possession charges against her were dropped due to her completing a 24 class drug intervention program. Skillz says he's set to work on a follow up to Willow Smith's smash hit "Whip My Hair". No word on when the single will be released.  A Kanye West/ Jay Z collaboration single will be released on Tuesday. As mentioned previously, a full CD will be released in March. In other Kanye West news, photographer Michael Vasquez is suing the rapper for unspecified damages. He claims the rapper' s bodyguards beat him after a party at Gavastinos in New York City in 2008. Vasquez says he was "assaulted, beaten, battered and threatened" by at least 10 security guards. No word on  a court date as yet. A little over a month after it's release, Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday" has gone platinum. The album has been in the top 10 since it's November 22 release. Minaj also has the distinction of being the first New York rapper to have a debut go platinum since Lloyd Bank's "Hunger For More" in 2004. If you're assuming that Aretha Franklin will soon reveal what her recent health scare was, you'd be wrong. The Queen Of Soul says she will discuss  her health with her doctor only. Last night's "Grey Anatomy" episode was yet another exciting one for fans of the hit show. Surprisingly, it was about a shooting at a local college. Fox's "American Idol" will kick off it's tenth season later this month. In the meantime, you can catch new judge Steven Tyler on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. He discusses the new season, whether the new panel of judges get along and what's in store for fans.Ten years and seven films later, the series based on JK Rawling's tale about a boy wizard will end with the eighth film "Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 2". The seventh book, which finds Harry and his friends in an all-out war against the evil Lord Voldemort for the salvation of the non-magical wizarding worlds, was split into two films. The first was released on November 19 and has earned over $285 million in the US and $900 million worldwide. The second film will hit theaters on July 15. In theaters this weekend: "Country Strong" and "Season Of The Witch". On the tube: "Cotton Bowl" on Fox, "Medium" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Preliminary hearings are being held to determine if Michael Jackson's former physician, Dr Conrad Murray, should stand trial for manslaughter. The prosecution stated that Murray waited 22 minutes before calling 911 the day Jackson died. Yesterday, it was revealed that Jackson's children saw the entertainer die. Murray reportedly asked that the children be removed from the room while he tried in vain to revive the singer. More on the story when it's available. Rapper Waka Flaka Flame has been released from prison after posting $40,000 bail. He was booked on numerous charges including possession of a fire arm by a convicted felon, driving with a suspended license and probation violation. Playboy has reportedly contacted singer Toni Braxton regarding posing for the men's magazine. No word on whether Braxton will accept the offer.The Kanye West and Jay Z collaboration will be released in March and will be a full CD. It should be a hot one. Queen Latifah hosted last night's People's Choice Awards for the fifth year in a row. Eminem, Taylor Swift and Adam Sandler were among the big winners at last nights ceremony. The hit show "The Game" will make it's return to BET. It will air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. Tonight's episode of the hit "Wipeout" will contain a few surprises. Among them a winter wonderland. It will also include the signature Big Balls along with a ski lift, a polar-bear run and contestants dodging snowballs. The show has been a hit since it's debut. The Tuesday version ranked fifth and the Thursday version ranked fifteenth. Tatiana Ali, former star of "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" will star in a new sitcom on TV One called "Love That Girl". It will air on Monday at 10 p.m. Actress Paula Patton will appear in the next film in the "Mission Impossible" franchise. She will play a spy in the film, which will be released this spring. She stated in a interview that such roles aren't often offered to Black actresses. Way to go Paula! On the tube: "Million Dollar Money Drop" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

A judge has ordered Gucci Mane to a medical facility for the next 30 days. The rapper was committed to a mental health facility following a probation hearing where the MC claimed he wasn't fit to plead his case against the prosecution. Gucci filed "Special Plea Of Mental Incompetence" papers in  court and wrote that he wasn't able to "intelligently participate in the probation revocation hearing". The judge then ordered Gucci into custody and had him committed to a mental health facility. He will undergo a evaluation of his mental condition. Stay tuned as this story develops. Foxy Brown's long time manager has reportedly called it quits. After managing the Brooklyn rapper through various court cases, Foxy's Twitter rant against Bernadette Brennan was the last straw. Ms Brennan told the New York Daily News, "It's always sad when an artist has everything they need at their fingertips but still displays such self-destructive behavior". "I hope she gets the help she needs. "I was one of the few people in her corner". Foxy kicked off the new year by tweeting that Brennan was a thief and that she planned to sue her. Just hours ago she wrote that she was not affiliated with Bernadette Brennan or anyone else mentioned in an article, referring to a Allhiphop.com piece that she claims is inaccurate. In the meantime, Brennan is suing Brown for over $100,000 for various expenses, including studio fees. Former talk show host Montel Williams, who has MS, was sited after being caught with a marijuana pipe at an airport. The pipe had no residue, so he was fined and sent on his way. Congratulations to Vivica A. Fox and Sherri Shepard are in order. The two ladies got engaged during the holidays. No word on a wedding date for either, however. Toni Braxton and her sisters have inked a deal to star in their own reality show. "Braxton Family Values" will air in April. Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian have inked a reality show deal as well. No word on a air date. One of television's success stories "The Middle" airs tonight. The bright, funny and terrifically cast family comedy has come into it's own. On the tube: "Human Target" on Fox, "Live To Dance" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

A judge has recommended prison for rapper Gucci Mane for probation violation in connection with an incident back November.  The Atlanta rapper could get as much as 17 months. Stay tuned as this story develops. In the meantime, Waka Flaka Flame will appear in court today after surrendering to authorities. He surrendered on gun, drug and gang related charges. According to Henry County Sheriff's Department, Waka is in custody for possessing less than an ounce of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of hydrocodone, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, probation violation for driving with a suspended license and violating Georgia's "Criminal Street Gang and Terror Act". As mentioned previously, the Atlanta police raided the rapper's home for suspension of drug and gang activity. His mother and manager, Debra Antney, said her son turned himself in because he didn't want to run. It appears that Lil Kim is trying to drag Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole into her feud with Nicki Minaj. During a recent concert the Queen Bee stated "that chick got a song with Keyshia Cole, me and my girl Mary J. Blige will eat these chicks alive". Rumors began to circulate that the Queen Bee and Mary J. Blige will collaborate on a diss track, which the rapper's camp denied. The rapper collaborated with Cole on her 2007 single, "Let It Go". The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Skillz revealed during an interview with bet.com that he's currently working on Willow Smith's debut album. The daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith is still on the charts with her single "Whip My Hair". No word on when the album will be released, however. After a hiatus from television, Paula Abdul returns with "Live To Dance" tonight. It will be a short run contest opened to all ages, to groups and individuals as well. It should be quite entertaining. ABC's "V" returns to the lineup as well. The science fiction adventure should be a hit with fans. Both shows air tonight. Lloyd has new music in stores this week. On DVD: "Machete", "Dinner For Schmucks" and "Case 39". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "Live To Dance" on CBS, "No Ordinary Family" on ABC and "Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

"Little Fockers" topped the weekend box office for the second week in a row, earning over $103 million dollars. "True Grit", "TRON: Legacy", "Yogi Bear" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" round out the top five films of the week. Chris Brown has reportedly broken his New Years Resolution to avoid using gay slurs on his Twitter page. For those not in the know, Brown has been feuding with Raz B, formerly of the boy band B2K. Brown has now posted a picture of himself mocking Raz B's brother Ricky. Let's hope all parties involved grow up soon. T Pain has begun the new year with a new recording contract. He's reportedly signed with Young Money Entertainment. No word on when an album will be released. Kanye West made a surprise appearance at the Jay Z/Coldplay New Year's Eve concert. Rihanna, and others appeared as well. In other Kanye West news, the rapper has revealed that a collaboration between he and Jay Z will be released soon. He'll also appear in the video for Kim Kardashian's new single, "Turn It Up". 80's British pop band Duran Duran has returned to form with it's new CD, "All You Need Is Now", which hit number 2 this week on iTunes album download chart. The group went back to the sound that made it a favorite on the charts in the mid 1980's. The band hit the American charts with singles such as "Hungry Like The Wolf" and "Girls On Film". The band says it feels confident about it's return with the new album. No word on if a tour is in their future. The drama continued with the return of "Basketball Wives" last night. Be sure to tune in . Tatiana Ali, formerly of "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air", will appear in a new sitcom for TV One called "Love That Girl". The show will air January 10. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelor" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Happy New Year!