Thursday Dish

Singer Fantasia, who's expecting her second child, has officially been put on bed rest. The singer has had to cancel all of her upcoming appearances as a result. Kelly Price will reportedly replace her at a concert in Atlanta. The Game is in the clear after tweeting the phone number of the Compton Sheriffs Department to over one million of his followers. He publicly apologized for the incident saying it was a silly prank gone wrong. It appears with the success of Jay Z and Kanye West's "Watch The Throne", others are jumping on the collaboration band wagon. Game mentioned he'd like to work with Rick Ross and Beanie Segal and Bryan "Birdman" Williams revealed that Lil Wayne and Drake are currently working on a project together. Waka Flacka Flame and Gucci Mane have teamed up for "Ferrari Boyz", and now, Jim Jone and Cam'ron are in the studio working on a project tentatively titled "Fly Boys" as well. There's been no announcement regarding when the projects will be released. According to mediatakeout.com, rapper Da Brat and rapper Cashawn are a couple. The two met via Twitter, and have been texting and skyping ever since. After a six year absence from the music scene, rapper/actor Will Smith is reportedly working on a new album. There's been no official word on an album title or when the album will be released. Congratulations to Kanye West and Jay Z are in order. The two have the number one album in the country for a second week in a row with "Watch The Throne". The two are currently touring in support of the album. This makes the 12th number one for Jay Z and the fifth for Kanye West. On the tenth anniversary of her passing, cable network BET will pay tribute to singer Aaliyah with a special "Aaliyah: One In A Million", which will air on August 25, 2011 at 8pm. The one hour special will include never before seen behind the scenes footage of the singer, along with interviews with the family and friends who knew her best. The special will include Missy Elliott, Timberland, Ginuwine, Swizz Beatz, Damon Dash, Lala Anthony and Patti LaBelle. The singer died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001 and will be missed by all. Former Murder Inc artist Charli Baltimore has confirmed that she's joined the cast of the upcoming film "Gang Of Roses 2". The star tweeted about landing the role and will star along side Vivica A. Fox, Christina Milian, Amber Rose and Teyana Taylor. No word on when the film will be released. On the tube: "NFL Preseason Football" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

First Kanye West and Jay Z, then Lil Wayne and Drake, and now possibly, Game, Rick Ross and Beanie Segal. Game says he would like to do a collaboration album with Beanie Segal and Rick Ross. Although there's been no official announcement, he says the album would be huge if it could happen. It would definitely be something fans would remember for years to come. Game is preparing to release his next album "The R.E.D. Album" on August 23 and has already released a track listing for the album.  After five years without releasing an album, singer/actor Tyrese Gibson will make his return to music with an album tentatively titled "Open Invitation". He has in listed some big stars to help with the upcoming effort. Miami rapper Rick Ross will appear on a track called "Too Easy" and R&B star R Kelly appears on a track called "I Gotta Chick". Ludacris will appear on the project as well. The star has kept busy acting and writing a best selling inspirational memoir "How To Get Out Of Your Own Way". The album, which will be released on Tyrese's own Voltron Recordz, with distribution by EMI, will hit store shelves on November 1. Singer Chris Brown and rapper Jay Z are among the many stars invited to perform at a Michael Jackson tribute concert by Mrs Katherine  Jackson, according to TMZ. Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo Green, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber have also been invited to attend as well. Cee-Lo Green has confirmed that he will perform, while Brown, Bieber and Mars have respectfully declined due to scheduling conflicts. The concert is scheduled to take place on Oct. 8 in Cardiff, Wales. The scheduled concert has caused some conflict within the Jackson family, with Randy and Jermaine Jackson being against it because it will held the same day as Dr. Conrad Murray's trial for manslaughter regarding Michael Jackson's death. The concert should be an exciting one. A fine tribute to one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage. California rap group Odd Future is ready to take on new ventures, starting with their first book, "Golf Wang". The paperback, which will be a collection of original photography, designs and writings from the group, is intended to give fans an inside look at Odd Future through their pictures, words and drawings. The book, which brings together hip hop, skateboarding, mischief and brilliance, is expected to hit book stores on November 15. This season's "Big Brother" has turned out to be as drama filled as previous ones, with more to come for certain. On the tube: "Mobbed" on Fox, "Big Brother" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Rolling Stone magazine has compiled it's list of top hip hop artist, and Eminem is number one as the king of hip hop. He's followed closely by Jay Z, Lil Wayne and Drake. The magazine made it's determination by record sales, You Tube hits and social networking sites and as well. Speaking of Lil Wayne, according to Birdman, Lil Wayne and Drake will be taking a page from Jay Z and Kanye West's book and will work on  a collaboration album together. There's been no announcement on when the album will hit stores. Kanye West made a special guest appearance during a Prince concert where he rocked the mic while Prince played guitar to "If I Was Your Girlfriend". No doubt, the appearance was a hit with fans of both artists. Nicki Minaj has reportedly dumped her abusive boyfriend and her man and her manager. Fans will recall the two got into a scuffle at a Dallas hotel room. It ended with Minaj being hit in the bottom lip with a suitcase. Minaj had the man escorted out be security. The problem is, the gentleman has returned to the couple's condo and refuses to leave. Christopher "Kid" Reid, the high top fade wearing half of 80's-90's rap duo Kid-N-Play, is currently in the custody of New York Police after missing a court date for a 2010 DUI arrest.  Authorities arrived at the rapper/actor's home to make the arrest, and the star was cooperative. There's been no word on when his sentence will be completed. The life of rapper/actor Tupac Shakur will finally get the small screen treatment. Producer Quincy Jones ///, son of legendary producer Quincy Jones Jr, is developing a six part miniseries on slain rapper/actor. There's no word on when the miniseries will be completed or when it will air. MTV has revealed it's list of presenters at this years MTV Video Music Awards, and it's a star studded one. Miami rapper Rick Ross, along with Odd Future, Kim Kardashian, Jonah Hill, Selena Gomez and Seth Rogen will present awards during the telecast. Confirmed performers include Adele, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown. The MTV Video Music Awards will air on August 28 from Los Angeles Nokia Theater. On DVD: "The Big Lebowski" and "Priest". On the tube: "MasterChef" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "It's Worth What?" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes" topped the weekend box office, earning over $20 million dollars. "Help!", "Final Destination 5", "The Smurfs" and "30 Minutes Or Less" round out the top five films of the week. Los Angeles rapper The Game may be investigated. The rapper tweeted a message regarding interning with him. The problem was, the number he left was a number to an emergency room. The number received so many calls, real emergency calls couldn't get through. Game says what happened was an accident. If convicted, he faces three years in prison. Singer Johnny Gill took to Twitter to let his feelings be known regarding the CEO of his record label. Gill had some not so kind things to say about the CEO, and it remains to be seen what will happen next. Gill has an album due out on September 20. If you'd like to see singer Beyonce perform, you can, if you can get to New York City. The singer will perform four shows at the Roseland Ballroom where she will perform songs from her latest platinum album "4". The shows should be exciting for all who attend. The singer is known for spellbinding performances, and the New York shows should be no exception. Rapper/actress Queen Latifah is rumored to be one of the contestants on the next "Dancing With The Stars". While there's been no official announcement, it should be will be an interesting change of pace for the star. She's conquered music, film and television, and winning "Dancing With The Stars" would be just another achievement in her stellar career. Actor/comedian Chris Tucker graces the cover of Jet magazine. In the article, he discusses his career, his family and what's in his future. Tucker, who has appeared in ":Friday" and the "Rush Hour" franchises, has been quiet and is back on the scene and touring the country performing stand up routines. It's great to see Tucker back in action after his absence. After her public break up with husband Mark Anthony, Jennifer Lopez has done several interviews discussing their split and what's in her future. While rumors are swirling regarding who the singer/actress is dating now, she appears happy and content. On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "Bachelor Pad" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

Rumor has it that rapper Nas and singer Amy Winehouse may have been involved some time before the singer's death. Nas stated what impact Winehouse had on him and it's unclear whether the two were involved or worked no any music together. "Jersey Shore's" DJ Paulie has confirmed that he has inked a three album deal with 50 Cent's G-Unit. There's been no word on a release date for his first project for the label. Actor/writer/director Tyler Perry has partnered with Lyonsgate Films to launch a Tyler Perry network which will air all of Perry's shows. With the success of his plays and films, this is yet another career milestone for the talented mogul. Several R&B artists who have been quiet are making comebacks. First up, Joe, who had hits in the 1990's such as "I Wanna Know" and "What Your Man Won't Do". The singer has a new CD, "The Good, The Bad , The Sexy" due out on September 27. He says he's bring back the raw, loving feeling of R&B. Singer Johnny Gill, who signed his first recording contract as a teenager, then went on to join New Edition, and continues to tour with fellow New Edition members Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant as Heads Of State, has a new CD due out called "Still Winning" on September 20. Al B. Sure!, who hit the top of the charts in 1988 with "Nite & Day", is rekindling that musical magic with the Secret Garden Rendezvous tour with Keith Sweat, Blackstreet, Cameo and Jagged Edge. Boyz 2 Men will celebrate their 20th anniversary with an upcoming double CD, "Twenty", set to hit stores on October 25, featuring 10 new songs and 10 updated renditions of their classics "I'll Make Love To You", End Of The Road" and "On Bended Knee". Atlanta based quartet Jagged Edge have kept fans coming back for more with their latest release "The Remedy". 80's quintet Troop, who rose to the top of the charts with the hit "Mamacita" in 1988, will have a new CD in stores next spring. Group members Steve Russell, Allen McNeil, and John Harreld all have solo projects in the works as well, although none have left the group. Fans will get the opportunity to enjoy a Michael Jackson tribute concert which will be streamed over the internet. Cee-Lo Green, Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera have confirmed that they will perform during the tribute. Melanie Moore was crowned the winner of "So You Think You Can Dance". It's been an exciting season, with, hopefully, many more to come. Ms Moore certainly earned the grand prize. Actress Paula Patton has inked a deal to star in the remake of the 1970's cult classic "Sparkle". The original film was loosely based on The Supremes and set in Harlem in the late 1950's. Debra Martin Chase will co-produce the film with husband and wife writing and production team Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil. There's been no announcement regarding a release date. In theaters this weekend: "Thirty Minutes Or Less", "Final Destination 5", "Glee: The 3D Concert Movie" and "The Help". On the tube: "NFL Preseason Football" on Fox, "Flashpoint" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "Friends With Benefits" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Singer Kelly Rowland has a new album in stores, and now she reportedly has a new man as well. Pictures of the two have been posted on mediatakeout.com, and the gentleman is also her manager. She's his only client as well. After having surgery to remove and abscess from his tonsils, singer R Kelly posted a video diary over the internet. He's seen wearing a surgical mask and let fans know that he's doing well. Former Rocka Fella Records artist Beenie Segal is the latest rap artist to have tax trouble. The Philadelphia MC reportedly owes over $300,000 in back taxes to Uncle Sam. He could spend up to three years in prison. Rihanna has a new man, if the rumor is to be believed. She's reportedly seeing Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. The two met when the Jonas Brothers collaborated with Chris Brown. Meanwhile, months after the release of his album "F.A.M.E." Brown has announced dates for his upcoming tour. He says he has plenty of excitement to offer fans. The tour should be a huge hit. It's been an exciting season on "So You Think You Can Dance" and tonight the winner will be revealed. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Just one week after it's release, Jay Z and Kanye West's "Watch The Throne" has topped the iTunes charts. The long anticipated album has hit the number one spot in 23 countries. The two rap superstars first decided to make the album a digital release to prevent it from leaking. A physical copy of the album will be released on August 12. A deluxe version of the album will be available exclusive to Best Buy until August 23. The two are currently criss crossing the country on a tour in support of the album as well. Congratulations to Monica and Los Angeles Lakers star Shannon Brown are in order. The two, who married some time ago, are expecting a baby. While no official announcement has been made, a announcement will be made soon.  For fans praying for a Black Star reunion, there may be hope. On Monday, Mos Def, one half of the duo that also includes Talib Kweli, posted an untitled track to his Facebook page. The song has since received over one hundred comments on the MC's page. There's been no announcement regarding whether the track will be a part of a larger project. Fans can continue to hope.  Fans will be happy to know that rapper T.I. will be leaving prison soon. According to Grand Hustle artist Young Dro, the Grand Hustle general will be home soon, and has been ordering lots of shoes. In 2010, T.I. began serving 11 months in an Arkansas prison when he was arrested in Los Angeles on September 1 on drug charges. The rapper began serving his sentence in November 2010.  Hip hop mogul Dame Dash recently visited Sway Calloway's morning radio show to discuss he recent tax trouble. He says he owes more than has been reported in the press, and is currently working the situation out with Uncle Sam. TBS announced that it will not renew the late night show "Lopez Tonight" starring comedian George Lopez. The show, which first aired in 2009, has seen ratings drop recently, which could be one reason for the cancellation. Hopefully, fans won't have to wait long before seeing Lopez on the small screen again. In other television news, "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told Ryan Seacrest's radio show that Jennifer Lopez will return for another season as a judge on the hit Fox show. While Fox still has yet to make an official announcement, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler reportedly already had deals on the table for another season. A remake of the 1980's hit film "Dirty Dancing" is in the works, and former star Jennifer Gray says she can't wait to see the film Although there's been no announcement regarding shooting or a release date, the original film starred Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze and was a huge box office hit. Hopefully, the remake will do as well as the original. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "Big Brother" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Happy hump day!