Wednesday Roundup

Sad news out of the world of hip hop. Legendary rapper Heavy D has died. The rapper collapsed in front of his home in CA after returning from shopping. He was alert and responsive when paramedics arrived, and died at the hospital later. It's rumored that he may have had a heart attack, but no official cause of death has been confirmed. He was 44 years old. Born Dwight Myers in 1967 in Mt Vernon NY, Heavy D began his career as a rapper and formed the group Heavy D & the Boys with friends Troy Dixon, Glenn Parrish and Edward Farrell. They went on to have such hits as "Overweight Love In The House", "We Got Our Own Thing" and "Is It Good To You". He later went on to star in several films, "Tower Heist" being his last film appearance. Heavy D has left behind a rich legacy of music and will be missed. Rest in peace. Although it was rumored that Rihanna cancelled two concerts dates last week due to being ill with the flu, another rumor has surfaced that she may have cancelled the dates due to pregnancy. Although this hasn't been confirmed, the singer has been advised by a doctor to take it easy while on the road. So far, there's been non response from the singer or anyone in her camp. Neighbors of singer Chris Brown are probably happy the singer has moved out of his Hollywood condo. Fans will recall that neighbors complained that Brown was throwing wild parties, parking in handicapped spots and having dog races in the halls. He still hasn't sold the condo, so it remains to be seen who may move in. Mariah Carey seems to be glad to have shed 70lbs after giving birth to twins. Still no word on when the singer will complete and album and hit the road for a tour. The life of the late ODB is  headed to the big screen and two funny men are up for the role. Comedians Eddie Griffin and Tracy Morgan are the two prospects for the role of the late rapper, Wu Tang Clan member RZA revealed. The project has been in the works for two years, according to the rapper/producer, although Griffin has signed a letter of intent to play the role. The ODB biopic was written by Raeshawn, ODB's cousin. RZA, meanwhile is in the middle of directing the film "The Man With The Iron Fist", his directorial debut. The film stars Russell Crowe, Lucy Lui and Pam Grier. A Raekwon biopic is in the works as well, with Cee Lo  Green playing The Chef's father. No word on when either film will hit theaters. The "Dancing With The Stars" results show ended with judge Nancy Grace and her partner Tristan being booted from the show. Tune in next week as the final contestants battle for the grand prize. On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, "Survivor: South Pacific" on CBS, "The 45th Annual CMA Awards" on ABC and "Up All Night" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Michael Jackson's former physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury yesterday. The Dr. sat emotionless as the verdict was read, and was handcuffed and taken into custody without bail,while fans outside the courthouse cheered. The verdict means the Dr. will lose his medical license, although he won't serve a great deal of prison time. He will be sentenced on November 29. A member of the rap group Odd Future has been hit with a battery charge after allegedly hitting a photographer in the face during the recent Vodoo Festival. The photographer says the rapper punched and slapped her while throwing water at other photographers at the event. The rapper has responded by saying no one's going to sue him for money. We'll see how that one turns out. Songs from rapper Drake's sophomore album "Take Care" have been leaked to the internet a week before it's official release, but don't think he's fretting over it. The rapper took to Twitter to say he hopes fans enjoy the music and pick up a copy of the album. Rihanna's next album "Talk That Talk" will hit stores on November 21 and will feature a guest appearance by mentor Jay Z. That should be a  treat for fans. Singer Alicia Keys shut down pregnancy rumors by saying she's going to enjoy her first child before having another. She and husband Swizz Beatz have a son together. The hit show "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta" has returned with more drama for fans. It will be interesting to see how the new season unfolds, considering there's tension between NeNe and Sheree. Be sure to tune in, the show is sure to get more outrageous as the season wears on. Reportedly reality star Kim Kardashian has had a change of heart regarding her recent split with husband Kris Humphries. It seems that E!, the network that airs the show "Keeping Up With The Kardashians",  has come under fire and pressure from fans who think the wedding was a sham and is trying to get the star to consider giving the marriage another try. We'll have to see what develops as time goes on. Week 8 of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" was pretty wacky, to say the least. Nevertheless, contestants jived to Tutti Frutti with Karina and  J.R. recieving praise from the judges. The competition continues to heat up, and it's anyone's guest who will win the grand prize. Cable network TLC will air a new reality series which goes behind the scenes of drunk driving law enforcement called "D.U.I.". Reality television fans will get an opportunity to sit back and enjoy a beer as irresponsibble drivers take field sobriety tests. TLC has picked up 12 episodes of the show, with six debuting next month and the rest planned for 2012. Unlike "Cops", the show focuses on drunk-driving suspects and follows their story from being pulled over and being interrogated, to, if necessary, arrest and sentencing. The show will debut on Dec. 1 at 9 pm on TLC. Tune in. on DVD: "Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Pt 2", "Blue Velvet" and "The Change Up". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, ""The Last Man Standing" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "Puss in Boots" topped the weekend box office earning over $30 million dollars. "Tower Heist", "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas", "Paranormal Activity 3" and "In Time" round out the top five films of  the week. Deliberations continue in the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray. The Dr. should know his fate soon. If convicted, he could face four years in prison and the lost of his medical license. It turns out the rapper The Game is in no way involved in the shooting death of the man responsible for attacking the West Coast MC some time back. The man reportedly posted a video of himself bragging about the incident on the internet, although there seem to be non leads regarding his murder. Singer Kelly  Rowland confirmed during a recent interview that friend Beyonce is indeed expecting a baby girl soon. There's been much speculation regarding whether Beyonce and husband Jay Z were expecting a boy or girl, and now we know for certain. The two have been busy buying items for the nursery. Congratulations to the parents to be. Now that he's gotten fighting off would be attackers out of the way, rapper Jim Jones has released a mixtape called "Vampire Life: We Own The Night". The tape, which he's been tweeting about, features Meek Mill, JR Writer, Chink Santana, Sen City and D J Self. In the meantime, Kimbella, who stars on the hit show "Love &  Hip Hop" along with Jones and his fiance Chrissy Lampkin, talked about the recent altercation between she and Lampkin on the show. She says she didn't know before the incident and wouldn't discuss her past relationships with another man. She's currently dating Julez Santana, who's a member of the Dipset along with Jones. Just when Will.i.Am of the Blackeyed Peas shut down rumors of the group's breakup comes another rumor that singer Ashanti may join the group. Fans will recall that rapper Kanye West shouted out the group during a concert, leading some to believe that they were breaking up. Will.i.Am. dispelled the rumors on Twitter. Now comes word that lone female member Fergie may leave the group indefinitely to have children. Also, Ashanti has reportedly had rehearsals with the group that have gone well. Only time will tell how things will progress from this point, so stay tuned. Additional names have been added to the list of performers on the 2011 Soul Train Awards. The show, which is set to air on both BET and Centric on November 27 at 9:00 pm, will also feature Cee Lo Green, Common, Freddie Jackson, Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michelle, Marsha Ambrosius and others. Other surprises are in store for fans. CNN Wolf Blitzer and hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh, who taught everyone how to "Dougie" will return with more tricks up their sleeves, and NBA Hall of Famer and mogul Earvin "Magic" Johnson has been added to the list of presenters. Drummer Questlove of the Roots is crafting a new version of the Soul Train theme song. Tune in on November 27 at 9:00 pm to get on board the Soul Train Awards 2011. The competition continues on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" tonight and it's anyone's guest how the contestants will fair. So far, it's been a season of a few hits and misses and surprises for fans as well. "The X Factor" and "The Sing-Off" will continue their competitions as well. On the tube: "Terra Nova" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "Dancing With The Stars" on ABC and "The Sing-Off" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

The fate of Dr. Conrad Murray is now in the hands of the grand jury as they deliberate in his manslaughter trial in the death of Michael Jackson. Both the defense and prosecution will present their closing arguments in the case and although some very damming evidence against the doctor has been presented, the defense may still go back to insisting that Jackson was a drug addict before hiring Dr. Murray. We'll have to wait and see what the jury decides as the case raps up. In the meantime, Jackson's brother Tito and sister Rebbie both say the family was aware of Michael's drug problem and tried to intervene, to no avail. Tito says the singer's security team acted as though he were the president when he went to check on Michael and he even got into  a fight with a few guards on occasion as well. At any rate, here's hoping closure for the Jackson family comes soon.  Singer Rihanna is currently in a hospital recovering from what appears to be the flu. The star had to cancel two shows in Sweden  due to her illness. At any rate, here's hoping the singer gets well soon. President Barack Obama graces the cover of the latest issue of Jet magazine. The weekly magazine discusses those who inspire others as well as celebrating the magazine's 60th anniversary. Jet magazine is on newsstands now. During a recent concert, rapper Kanye West delivered a verse that has some speculating that he may be still in love with ex-girlfriend Amber Rose. Although there's been on comment from West, when reporters caught up with Rose and asked for a response, she was diplomatic by saying she wishes no ill will toward West. Rose is currently dating rapper Wiz Khalifa. Last night's "The X Factor" was as about as spirited as they come. Contestant InTENsity was eliminated from the competition, and the most surprising factor in the judging was that Simon Cowell the only judge to vote against Stereo Hogzz, who landed in the bottom two. This after he told the band he didnt' think their was a band as good as them. Paula Abdul sent contestants home with some words of wisdom, which should help as the competition continues. Be sure to tune in next week. "Dancing With The Stars" continues as well. Eddie Murphy has landed on Forbes magazine list of overpaid celebrities. Denzel Washington and Halle Berry made the list as well. Murphy has a new film with Ben Stiller in theaters this weekend as well. In theaters this weekend: "Tower Heist" and "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas". On the tube: "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, "A Gifted Man" on CBS, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

The jury could deliberate in the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray very soon, and we may know the Dr.'s fate either this week or next. A great deal of damming evidence has certainly been presented so far, but only time will tell what the verdict will be.  Couples are hooking up and breaking up in Hollywood. Actress Vivica A. Fox and her fiance Slimm have broken up, again. Slimm was very diplomatic by saying sometimes things don't work out, and he wishes Fox the best. Just as rumors began to spread like wildfire about singer Ciara and rapper Maino being a couple after pictures of the two together hit the internet, Ciara shot the rumors down by saying the two went on a few dates and the photos are from years ago. Actor/comedian Steve Harvey reportedly had his ex-wife Mary arrested and after the arrest a lawsuit and restraining order were filed. Reportedly the arrest was made in front of the couples' children, and some close to Mary say that Steve is trying to keep her from the couple's 13-year-old son, whom Steve has primary custody of. Here's hoping the right thing is done for the sake of the children. Children being used a pawns between parents is never good. Fans of the hit Fox show "The X Factor" will be happy to know that the show has been renewed for a second season. Since it's airing, the show has attracted millions of viewers nationwide and shows no signs of slowing down. No one can deny that Death Row Records CEO Marion "Suge" Knight knows the music industry, but some may be surprised to learn  that he and Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame have formed a partnership. During a recent interview with hiphopnews24-7.com, the rapper discussed their venture by saying that Knight is letting him know what mistakes he made so that he won't make them, and helping him expand his following on the West Coast. There's still no word on whether the two will work on a project together. It could be a treat for fans. As mentioned previously, Luther "Luke" Campbell took several rappers to task in a letter to a Miami paper saying that artists move to the city and don't give back to the community. Well, Young Money artist Drake has released a track responding to Campbell's remarks with, by all accounts, some disparaging remarks of his own. Only time will tell how things will play out at this point. Actor/comedian Eddie Murphy graces the cover of the latest issue of 'Rolling Stone magazine. He discusses his career and what's next for him. Fans will recall it was rumored that he would make a guest appearance on "Saturday Night Live" the evening Ben Stiller hosted, since the two star in a new movie together. That never happened so fans will have to wait for the new movie.  The competition continues on "Dancing With The Stars" and "The X Factor" as well. Thus far, each show has had a exciting season with more to come to be certain. Be sure to tune in . On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Charlie's Angels" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

The jury in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray could begin deliberations soon. The prosecution will present it's closing arguments this week. Dr. Murray could be sentenced to four years in prison and lose his medical license if convicted. For the past few weeks, it seems the evidence heard during the trial has been about as damming as imaginable, but only time will tell what the jury will decide. In the meantime, Janet Jackson, in celebration of 40 years in the entertainment industry, will appear on the cover of Harper's Bazar. The star will no doubt discuss her career and what's next for her. She continues to look more gorgeous by the day.  Could it be true? Rumor has it that NFL star Reggie Bush delivered an ultimatum to ex Kim Kardashian. Either file for divorce, or no sex. Fans will recall the rumor that the two got together in New York, and they both even tweeted about the trip. We'll have to wait and see what, if anything at all comes of it. Rapper Rick Ross is now speaking out about his recent health scare. He says he was unaware that he'd had a seizer when the first occurred, and when the next one occurred and he was taken to a hospital, doctors performed tests and determined that he's healthy, he just needed rest. He wanted to continue with his current tour, but had to take time off. In the meantime, after serving a three year sentence for weapons possession, Prodigy of Mobb Deep confirmed that he and partner Havoc have a collaboration in the works with Ross. He says he had the idea while in prison and called Ross soon after his release. Ross also confirms the conversation the two had. To get a buzz behind them, Mobb Deep has released a EP "Black Cocaine". There's been no word on when the collaboration with Ross will hit store shelves. It's great to see the guys back on the scene. With the economy still staggering, the 2012 election well underway, and Occupy Wall Street protests still going strong, hip hop heads Kanye West, David Banner, Russell Simmons and Lupe Fiasco have shown support. Rapper 50 Cent is the latest to show support. The G-Unit general took to his Street Kings Facebook page to show anger over hunger and shout out the protesters by saying they have awakened the world, including him. He has vowed to feed one million people in Africa. It's great to see the star give back. Actress Vivica A. Fox graces the cover of the December issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine. She discusses her latest project and her engagement, although she wouldn't divulge when the upcoming nuptials will take place. This week's competition on "Dancing With The Stars" had a Halloween theme and tune in next week to see who goes home next. The competition on "The X Factor" and "The Sing-Off" continues as well. On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, "Survivor: South Pacific" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Up All Night" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

The manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's former physician Dr. Conrad Murray continued with the judge admonishing the defense's star witness for testifying about a private conversation he had with Murray. The witness went on the say that Jackson injected himself with probphol and that if he had been Dr. Murray, he would have dialed 911 when he realized Jackson stopped breathing. Only time will tell what other details will be revealed as the trial goes on, so stay tuned. It's getting more interesting by the day. Singer Rihanna had to cancel a concert yesterday after being rushed to the hospital. The singer took to her Twitter account and tweeted a picture from her hospital bed i.v. in one arm. Judging from the look of the picture, the singer was most likely hospitalized for exhaustion. The rumors have been proven true. Reality star Kim Kardashian has released a statement through the E! network  that after 72 days of marriage, she and NBA star Kris Humphries are divorcing. Magazines and tabloids have been speculating for months on the problems between the two, and now the two have called it quits. There's much speculation regarding the reasons for the split, among them, that Kardashian is still in love with ex Reggie Bush. Rumor has it the two had lunch together in New York, although it hasn't been confirmed.  At any rate, here's wishing both the best. Rapper Jay Z has re-released his book "Decoded" today. The book is a memoir where Hova used the metaphors he uses in his music to discuss his life and career. Rapper Wiz Khalifa is having a great year. He released his debut album "Rolling Papers" in March, selling almost 200,000 units in it's first week. He and girlfriend Amber Rose announced their engagement in April and he won cable network BET's Best New Artist award in June. Now he's set to promote the career of his newly signed Taylor Gang artist Lola Monroe. According to AllHipHop.com, Monroe left the world of modeling, where she was known as Angel Lola Luv to pursue a music career. She reportedly told Atlanta radio station V103 during an interview that when Wiz Khalifa reached out to her she felt it was only right. Fans can expect mixtapes from her soon. Having cleared up his legal issues, rapper Soulja Boy revealed in a recent interview with Billboard magazine that he has several collaborations coming, one of whom will be with Drake. He said he'd also like to work with Busta Rhymes and Lil B. as well. He went on to say that other hip hop artists are coping his style, and if he has to be the Steve Jobs of the music industry, then so be it. It sounds like he has quite a few surprises in store for fans. Rapper/actress Queen Latifah will have her own day time talk show soon. Fans will recall that the star had a talk show a few years ago, but it only lasted about one season. The show will be produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, although there's been no announcement on when it will air. Former talk show host Ricki Lake really shined on last night's "Dancing With The Stars", while judge Nancy Grace fell to last place. Tune in tonight to see who goes home. On DVD: "Cars 2", 'Crazy, Stupid Love" "Water For Elephants" and "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!