Monday Memo

The film "The Help" topped the weekend box office once again, earning over $14 million dollars. "Colombiana", "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark", "Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes" and "Our Idiot Brother" round out the top five films of the week. Cable channel MTV's biggest night aired last night, and many of music's biggest and brightest stars performed during the Video Music Awards. Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Kanye West and Beyonce were among the performers who graced the stage. Beyonce announced on the red carpet that she's expecting. No word on when the bundle of joy is due. Lil Wayne approached Jay Z while performing as if greeting Hova. Hova returned the favor while performing with Kanye West. Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj performed as well. Brittany Spears, Foo Fighters, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry and Lady Gaga were among last night's award winners.  Congratulations to all. All in all, the show was an exciting event fans won't soon forget. In more Jay Z and Kanye West news, the duo's collaboration album, "Watch The Throne", has reached gold status it's second week on the charts. Physical sales of the album at retailers helped drive it's sells, while an iTunes exclusive during it's first four days of release made it a digital phenomenon. The two are still touring in support of the album. Lil Wayne has finally released his new album "Tha Carter 4", but so far, it doesn't appear that it's gotten the same amount of attention as the Jay Z and Kanye project. Fan of the Queens New York rap group Mob Deep will be happy to know the group is back. Prodigy, one half of the duo, stated during an interview backstage at the Las Vegas stop of the Rock The Bells tour that the group is working on new music. This will be the group's ninth studio album. It will feature collaborations with Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Odd Future, Lil Kim and possibly Rick Ross as well. While he's had his share of legal troubles, rapper DMX says he wants to sue police. As mentioned previously, the Yonkers New York MC was arrested recently for speeding and reckless driving. He stated in an interview that he was going 80 mph at the time of the incident, but police say he was going 102 mph in a 65 mph zone. Although he admits to speeding, he says he intends to sue for harassment. He says he's spoken with several lawyers who are not afraid to go against the system in helping him clear his name. We'll have to wait and see what happens. Today marks what would have been singer Michael Jackson's 53rd birthday. As most know, Jackson died June 25, 2009 of cardiac arrest. From his work with the Jackson 5 to his solo work some time later, he has a lasting legacy that will live on and was one of the most talented entertainers to ever grace a stage. Happy birthday Michael. Fox's "Hell's Kitchen" should be filled with edge of your seat excitement as seven contestants compete for the grand prize, while feeling the wrath of Chef Ramsey, of course. "America's Got Talent" will enter another week of competition as well. Only time will tell who will walk away with the grand prize.  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

Rapper DMX has been arrested again. The New York MC was arrested in Arizona for driving over 100 mph in a 65 mph zone. He was also sited for driving with a suspended license. There's been no word on his sentencing. Neighbors of singer Chris Brown are currently trying to get the singer in trouble with his probation officer. As mentioned previously, neighbors have complained that Brown throws loud parties, races dogs in the hall and park illegally in handicap spots. Now reportedly the Home Owners Association will send a letter regarding the matter to a judge, at which time the judge will consider the matter. Stay tuned. Singer Rihanna took to her Twitter account to respond to the rumor that there's a sex tape of her and rapper J. Cole circulating. She's says they don't believe the rumor at all. Get ready for a Kardashian family take over. Kris Jenner will guest host the CBS talk show "The Talk". She will fill in for Sharon Osborne occasionally. Comedian Sheryl Underwood will also join the show as a host. Rumors that singer Janet Jackson gave birth to a child while married to singer Jame DeBarge years ago still persists. DeBarge's mother Etterline revealed during an interview with the National Enquirer that Janet did have a child with James, a son. The child was reportedly born in Norway. Jackson has not commented on the interview. In a recent interview, rapper 50 Cent stated that his next album, formerly known as "Black Magic", will be his last for Interscope Records. The G-Unit general has had frustrations with the label recently, one being the fact that the album's first single "I'm On It" was leaked. The rapper is realistic about the problems with his label saying  that any artist that doesn't have issues with their label probable just has one album and haven't released a record. In theaters this weekend: "Colombiana", "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark" and "Our Idiot Brother". 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

Despite the fact that pictures of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett looking quite cozy together are all over the internet, rumors of their split still persists. One source claims Will walked in on Jada and singer Mark Anthony, then walked out in tears. Another source claims Mark Anthony did visit the Smith home, but only to watch a video. It's difficult to determine what's true and false at this point. Rumor has it that singer Rihanna and rapper  J. Cole have a sex tape circulating the internet. The two did tour together earlier this year, but until now, no rumors of a hookup ever surfaced. Cole did have his cell phone stolen by a female fan at one concert. He later took to his Twitter account in an attempt to have the phone returned. Lil Wayne reportedly has taken a shot at Jay Z in a track leaked over the internet recently. Only time will tell where the situation will go from here. With four million Twitter followers under his belt, rapper Snoop Dogg wants to accomplish yet another milestone: a spot on the Guinness Book of World Records for the most retweets. The record was set by Rev. Run in 2010 with  his Daily Words of Wisdom. He didn't stop there. He took to Facebook and Ustream as well. He told Allhiphop.com in an interview that he thanks fans for their support. Although he just released his new album "The R.E.D. Album" Tuesday, Game stated in an interview that he's already working on music for another album. He stated he's always working. In the meantime, "The R.E.D. Album" features guest appearances from Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross, Beanie Siegel, Young Jeezy, Big Boi, E-40, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler The Great and more. R&B crooner Joe is preparing for the release of his next album, "The Good, The Bad, The Sexy". He recently performed in New York City to celebrate Harlem Day. "The Good, The Bad, The Sexy" will hit store shelves on September 27. MTV has confirmed that singer Beyonce will perform on the Video Music Awards this Sunday. She will join a list of performers that includes Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. The 2011 Video Music Awards will air Sunday August 28 at 9: 00 pm. "Grey's Anatomy" fans who are ready to meet Jackson Avery's mom will be happy to know that actress/dancer/director Debbie Allen has been cast in the upcoming season of the hit ABC show. She will play Catherine Avery. The move will bring Allen from behind the camera to the front of the camera where she's directed three episodes of the show. Allen has a slew of directing credits to her name including "Everybody Hates Chris" and "That's So Raven". She is best known as an actress for her work on both the movie and television versions of "Fame" and "Roots: The Next Generation" as well. Cable channel BET will air a tribute to late R&B singer Aaliyah tonight. Today marks the tenth anniversary of the singer's death in a plane crash. Her legacy will live on. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Rumors are swirling that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett are splitting up. A statement was released denying the rumors. The two have been married for some time and have three children together. Two of the youngsters, Jaden and Willow, have established careers of their own. Jaden starred opposite his father in "The Pursuit Of Happiness" and also starred in the "Karate Kid". Willow Smith had a big hit with "Whip My Hair". If you're one of many fans waiting to purchase a copy of Kid Kudi's mixtape "A Man Named Scott", you'll have to wait. The Cleveland rapper recently took to his website to explain that he's been too busy working on his new album to release the mixtape. He says fans will receive the "Wizzard" album. In addition to his new album, the hit series featuring the star "How To Make It In America" will debut on October 2 with special appearances by producer Pharrell and Pusha T. Mediatakeout.com is reporting that it once again, has nude photos of model Amber Rose. A video of singer Rihanna's latest single will appear on iTunes for viewing. The video should be a treat for fans. As fans await the release of his debut album "Cole World: The Sideline Story", rapper J. Cole revealed the art work for the project. It depicts the rhyme slinger sitting on a locker room bench donning a letterman jacket and a forlorn facial expression. The album will hit stores on September 27. According to her family, a toxicology report shows that drugs did not cause the death of singer Amy Winehouse. No drugs were found in the late singer's system, although there was alcohol, it can't be determined if it played a role. Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London apartment on July 23. Up and coming female rapper Kreayshawn shot down recent rumors that she's been dating Da Brat. She says she likes the rumor, but it's not true. Be sure to catch the premiere of Fox's new series "Buried Treasure". If all goes well, the network will have another hit on it's hands. On the tube: "Buried Treasure" on Fox, "Big Brother" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Minute To Win It" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Sad news out of the world of R&B. Nick Ashford, of the legendary duo Ashford & Simpson has died of complications from throat cancer. He was 70. The duo began their career as staff writers/producers for Motown Records in the 1960's, writing such hits as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Your Precious Love", "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" and others. They later moved to Warner Bros Records where they wrote and recorded such classics as "Don't Cost You Nothin", "Send It"  and "Found A Cure". Nick Ashford has a rich legacy that will live on forever and he will be missed. Memphiz, the husband of Toya Carter, was arrested at a Atlanta airport after attempting to carry a loaded weapon on the plane with him. Although he has a carry and conceal permit, it's illegal to carry weapons aboard a aircraft. Authorities found the weapon in his luggage. No word on his sentencing. After almost a year in jail, Houston rapper Scarface has been released. He was arrested some time ago after the four mothers of his children filed charges claiming he failed to pay child support. RCA records has confirmed that the label has signed Brandy to a deal. Although no official announcement has been made, the singer should, hopefully, begin working on an album soon. Former Death Row Records CEO Marion "Suge" Knight plead no contest to driving with a suspended license last February, and has now been sentenced to three years of unsupervised probation. He won't be idle, however. He's announced plans to return to the entertainment industry with a list of projects that includes a documentary. Hopefully, the mogul will be able to get his life and career back on track soon. It appears fans not only have an incredible performance to look forward to from Lil Wayne on the upcoming MTV Music Awards, the New Orleans rapper has another surprise in store as well. He's announced that he will release his long awaited album "Tha Carter 4" on iTunes after his performance on Sunday. The album will be available in physical form on August 29. Reality star Kim Kardashian's wedding may have been a spectial to some, but not everyone. It appears that a neighbor called police after the wedding celebration got too loud. At any rate, here's to many years of love and happiness to the couple. On DVD: "Win Win" and "The Beaver". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "It's Worth What?" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "The Help" topped the weekend box office, earning over $20 million dollars. "Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes", "Spy Kids: All The Time In The World", "Conan The Barbarian" and "Fright Night" round out the top five films of the week. Tierra Marie was arrested for DUI over the weekend. The actress rear ended another vehicle, and upon arriving on the scene, authorities suspected the star was drunk. Witnesses say she was combative with police, to the point of an officer receiving a cut. There's been on word on a sentence. Singer Chris Brown took to his Twitter account to respond to comments made by  Fox television host Andy Levy. Brown tweeted a comment regarding the latest internet craze. Minutes later, Levy tweeted a response to Brown's post. Brown responded again. The Fox host then replied with a sarcastic apology. Hope that settles the matter.  Rapper Lil Wayne is being sued yet again. Another rapper by the name of Rich Rick is suing the New Orleans native claiming he stole the beat to his latest single "How To Love". The suit claims Rich Rick was double crossed by a production team named Drummer Boyz, who reportedly sold him and Weezy the same track. He's fighting against alleged fraud and breach of contract, asking for everything the production team earned for the beat with 10% interest. "How To Love" is currently in the top five on Billboards's charts. West coast rap icon Too Short recently addressed the beef between he and fellow West coast rapper Messy Marv. Messy Marv released a track called "Class Of '84 (F*** Too Short)", then gave an interview to Allhiphop.com saying he believed the icon has allowed success to go to his head. Breaking his silence, Too Short also spoke with the site saying he didn't know what Messy Marv's issue was until he called him. At any rate, calling the beef baseless, the "Life Is Too Short" star stated Messy Marv needs to make a name for himself without using him as a stepping stone. He says he decided to speak out because "this can't be the person that little youngsters in the Bay area are saying is next in for the Crown". As for the multi-platinum rapper being born in LA he says "that's no big damn secret". Rapper/producer Dr Dre has donated a few of his Beats by Dre headphones for a community dance competition, organized by L.A. street legend Freeway Rick Ross. Since the events inception, Dre and rapper Slim Da Mobster have stepped in to support with time and money in hopes of giving back to their community. This year, Dre has donated a pair of his headphones to be given as one of the prizes. Other prizes have been donated by Interscope/Steamline Records, MJZ, Aftermath and Freeway/Enterprise.com. Freeway Enterprise Presents: L.A Can Dance will take place on August 27 at Chuco's Justice Center. 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

Singer R Kelly has come under fire from some for serving as grand marshall at a back to school  parade in his home town of Chicago. Of course, the singer does have supporters as well. He's been recovering from throat surgery and should be back out on the road again soon. Cash Money Records CEO Bryan "Baby" Williams has come under fire as well. He's actually been sued by a Las Vegas casino owner who claims he backed out of making an appearance at her casino. She's asking for $500,000 in damages. Rapper Snoop Dogg's daughter has been spending the summer in the recording studio, and has released her first single "Doin My Thing". There's been no word on when an album will be released. Ghostface Killah has announced that he will embark on  a Canadian tour this fall. The tour will start on November 28 in Toronto, Ontario and end on December 12 in Victoria, B.C. Toronto rapper Peter Jackson will join the Wu Tang rapper for all 15 dates on the schedule. More recently, the the rapper was named in a lawsuit stemming from his 2000 album "Supreme Clientele". The album frequently uses the theme song from the 1966 television series "Iron Man". The song's composer, Jaques Urbont, says Ghostface Killah didn't receive clearance to use the song, nor did he credit him in the liner notes. The man police believe shot and killed legendary New Orleans rapper Soulja Slim is dead. According to Allhiphop.com, Garrelle Smith, 29, was found by New Orleans police early Saturday morning, August 17, with gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Soulja Slim, who was signed to Master P's No Limit Records, and co-wrote Juvenile's hit "Slow Motion", was gunned down in front of his mother's home on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26, 2003. Investigators say Smith and another man, Stephen Kennedy, were paid $10,000 for the murder, which they say stemmed from a dispute with another record label. Smith has been tied to a least four other murders as well. Police say he escaped prosecution because his fearsome reputation as a hit man deterred any would-be witnessess. Stay tune as this story develops. As fall quickly approaches, the major networks are reading their fall line ups, and it's anyone's guest which shows will cut the mustard. We'll have to wait and see what the networks have to offer viewers. Reality star Kim Kardashian prepared for her wedding day with a rehearsal dinner with family and friends. Congratulations to the couple. In theaters this weekend: "Conan The Barbarian", "One Day", "Spy Kids: All The Time In The World" and "Fright Night". 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!