Friday Facts

Sad news out of the world of R&B. The woman many refer to as "the mother of hip hop" has died. Sylvia Robinson, the founder of Sugar Hill Records, died of congestive heart failure. She was 75. She, along with her husband Joe, founded Sugar Hill Records, the label responsible for releasing the hit "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang. The company also recorded and promoted Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, releasing their classic "The Message" in 1982. Mrs. Robinson is also credited as a songwriter, having wrote and produced "Love On A Two Way Street" for the Moments in 1970. She began her career as part of the duo Mickey & Sylvia before going solo. She had a huge hit in 1973 with the single "Pillow Talk". She will be missed. Testimony continued in the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray. Michael Jackson's bodyguard testified that Dr. Murray asked him to scoop up prescription bottles in Jackson's bedroom before calling 911. A chef testified that Dr. Murray asked her to call the children when he realized that the singer was unconscious. Mediatakeout.com has posted pictures of rapper Drake implying that the Young Money MC has a cocaine habit. Another story circulating comes from bossip.com, which claims singer Chris Brown had a homosexual relationship. The singer has not responded to the allegation. Rapper Snoop Dogg has finally settled a tax debt with the IRS. The rapper paid $476,338 to the government agency after it filed a tax bill against him in December 2008. Now that he's cleared of any problems with Uncle Sam, the rapper can focus on his latest project. The West Coach rap legend has launched "The Snoop Pack", a social video app that allows users to to quickly edit audio and visuals on short self-created videos. He inked the deal with Viddy, a company that boasts 800,000 users already. The video app is similar to the popular Instagram photo app that allows people to share cellphone pics altered with fast and easy editing tools. While the world may not know the sex of Jay Z and Beyonce's unborn child, the world knows Ne-Yo's. While attending the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Atlanta Legends Dinner in Atlanta, the singer/songwriter revealed that he and long time girlfriend and fiance, Monyetta Shaw, are expecting their second child together and the child is a boy. He was honored at the event, which also hosted Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, Johnta Austin and Kandi Burruss, among others. Juelz Santana recently confirmed that he and Lil Wayne are indeed working on new material together. Rumors of a collboration between the two first surfaced back in 2006, but after internet leaks, crew breakups, and legal issues, a official released never materialized. Santana also indicated that fans can expect some solo material from him as well. It's about time. In theaters this weekend: "50/50", "Dream House" and "What's Your Number?". On the tube: "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, "A Gifted Man' on CBS, "Modern Family" on ABC and "Up All Night" on NBC. Make it a weekend!