Friday Facts

Tis the season for artists getting into trouble. First, rapper Plies has been found liable for a 2006 shooting in a Florida nightclub. Fans will recall that the rapper's brother open fired inside the club during a dispute, wounding five people. He was sentenced to three years in prison, while Plies only received probation in connection with the incident. The judge has awarded the victims $200,000. The victims say Plies has used the incident to boost his street creditability and his career. The defense will appeal. Rapper Flava Flav has plead no contest in the latest of a long list of misdemeanor charges. He's been charged with driving with a suspended license. Fans will recall that he was arrested some time ago after being pulled over by police. He has several outstanding warrants, most of which were traffic violations. No word on when the rapper will appear in court. Actor Jermaine Hopkins, who has appeared in the films "Juice", "Lean On Me" and "Strapped" among others, has been arrested for possession of marijuana. Police found one hundred pounds of the drug and cash on the actor. After searching his home, they found more marijuana and cash as well. No word on when the actor will appear in court for a hearing. Lloyd is preparing to return to the music scene. The former Murder Inc star got the ball rolling by recently appearing on cable network BET's "Very BET Christmas". The Georgia born crooner performed original Christmas music created with the help of Cee Lo Green and producer D. Smith. He stated in an interview that he looked forward to performing material that he hadn't performed in public. While he didn't say if a new album is in the works, he is currently in the studio working on material. He says he's considering a more unorthodox approach to his music this time around. Meanwhile, fans can pick up "King Of Hearts" in stores now, and "She's All I Want For Christmas" is available on iTunes. Lloyd's former lablemate Ashanti is making major moves in the industry as well. She's announced that she's formed her own independent label, Written Entertainment, in partnership with Entertainment One Music. In a statement, the singer said she's excited about the label and partnership and believes the partnership gives her label a worldwide presence. Entertainment One Music is equally excited saying the singer has the independent, entrepreneurial spirit that the label is about. The singer's fifth studio album, the follow up to 2008's "The Declaration" will be the first project released on the label. Her new single, "The Woman You Love", featuring Busta Rhymes, is available on iTunes now. Rumors of the singer preparing to release new music began as early as July when a promotional photograph of the singer surfaced. There was also word that she'd been in the studio with Lil Wayne and Dr Dre. She was previously signed to The Inc/Universal Motown. There's no word on when an album will be released. Yet another Kim Kardashian rumor. Reportedly, the reality star was seen with rapper Kanye Westt at a "Watch The Throne" tour after party where the two got cozy as guests looked on. Representatives for both stars haven't commented on the rumor.  Fans of the hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Addition" will be sad to know that ABC has cancelled the show. No word as of yet on a replacement. In theaters this weekend: "Alvin And the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked", "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" and "Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows". On the tube: "Happiness Is A Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown" on Fox, "A Gifted Man" on CBS, "Extreme Makeover: Home Addition" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Make it a weekend!