Wednesday Roundup

Rumor has it that singer Whitney Houston is broke. The situation has progressed to where her record label has had to step in and help, although there's no official word on an album in the works and when it will be released. Here's hoping that she's able to work things out and get back to doing what she does best, sing. Rapper Kid Cudi recently blogged about trashing a stage at  a recent concert. He even went on to say that he'd commit the act again. Let's hope he just sticks to making records. Singer Beyonce and new born daughter Blue Ivy were seen in Atlanta recently. The singer gave CNN an interview discussing new motherhood. Still no pictures of the newborn have been seen as of yet, however. Fans of rapper DMX who may be waiting on new music from the New York MC won't have to wait long. He's announced that he'll release new music soon. He's slated to release two albums of previously unreleased material under an agreement with Seven Arts Entertainment. The first album, "Undisputed", will be released the second quarter of 2012 through Fontana Distribution, a division of Universal Music Group. That album will be followed by another album of unreleased material. Although it  may not be the comeback fans have hoped for, they still have the Ruff Ryders reunion to look forward to. The Dark Man X announced previously that the crew will reunite for a tour. Swizz Beatz, Drag On and Murda Mook are all reportedly on board for a tour. Eve also indicated that she's willing to tour with the group. X says he stills needs to talks with members of The Lox. At any rate, if it happens, it should be an exciting tour.  Fans of singer Etta James will have an opportunity to say goodbye to the music icon at a public viewing on Friday. According to the Associated Press, the viewing will be held in Inglewood, California. James, a Los Angeles native, died last Friday at the age of 73 after losing her battle with leukemia. She also suffered with other aliments, including dementia. After the public viewing, a private service will be held in the Gardena area of Los Angeles. Rev. Al Sharpton will eulogize the late singer. According to his representatives, several celebrities are slated to perform, but no names have been announced. The James family is asking that any donations be made on behalf of the Philadelphia based Rhythm & Blues Foundation. Singer Ne-Yo has started his 2012 with a serious power move. He's inked a recording deal with Motown Records as well as accepted a position as Sr Vice President of A&R at the label. He says he's honored to be offered the position. He will act as a producer and mentor to his labelmates, as well as be granted the opportunity to bring his Compound Entertainment to the label. Ne-Yo, who's currently promoting his role in the film "Red Tails" is expected to release his next studio album (and first for Motown) this summer. Chicago rapper Common, whose has been in a beef of sorts with rapper Drake now says he's not sure how it will end. As mentioned previously, the beef began when Common released his single "Soft" where he angrily dismissed rappers who also sing. Drake responded first at a concert in Las Vegas, then on Rick Ross's single "Stay Schemin'". Common says since he was dissed on record he had to respond. He added that the beef isn't personal. It's about feeling confident enough to go toe to toe with any rapper. Let's hope the beef ends soon. There's enough room in the industry for everyone. Be sure to tune in to Fox's "American Idol" as the auditions continue. It's anyone's guest who will make the cut tonight. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "Criminal Minds" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Whitney" on NBC. Happy hump day!