Wednesday Roundup

A judge has sentenced Dr. Conrad Murray to the maxium four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in the death of singer Michael Jackson. Although there's been no word on probation or parole, the Dr. could serve at least half of the sentence. As mentioned previously, the Dr. was ordered to pay the Jackson children $100 million for lost wages since Jackson died before his "This Is It" concert tour could begin. The Victoria's Secret Fashion show aired last night and Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and Jay Z all performed. The show was another fabulous event that fans will not soon forget. The show featured real models, no plastic surgery and it's anyone's guest what next year's show has in store for fans. Incarcerated rapper Lil Boosie has been sentenced by a judge in his drug smuggling case. Fans will recall that the rapper attempted to smuggle drugs into the prison where he's been serving time for another offense. A judge considered rehab for the rapper to help deal with his apparent drug problem. In addition, he also has a murder charge looming over him as well, so we'll have to wait and see what happens with that. Singer Beyonce recently surprised mom Tina with a makeover or more accurately, a lifestyle lift. The star reportedly told her mother she knew she felt a little insecure about her looks and wanted to help her feel better. Tina Knowles agreed, as long as it was something subtle. What Mrs. Knowles received was a lifestyle lift, which is a mini face lift performed in about an hour under local anesthesia. It tightens the jaw line, neck and wrinkles with the result lasting for a few years. Hopefully Mrs. Knowles is enjoying her new look and having fun. It looks like Lil Kim fans will definitely have a  happy holiday season. The petite rapper announced via Twitter that she plans to release a 5 song EP sometime around Christmas. It will be the star's first release in six years. Her last release was 2005's "The Naked Truth", which went gold. She ramped up the activity last year with the release of her mixtape "Black Friday" and her recent single "I Am Not The One", which is now available on iTunes. It's great to see and hear that the Queen B is back on the music scene. Singer Mary J. Blige celebrated the release of her latest album, "My Life 2: The Journey Continues" with an intimate party in Atlanta where she performed songs from her classic 1994 album "My Life" and material from the new album. Celebrities in attendance included Monica, Young Jeezy, DeVyne Stephens and husband-manager Kendu Isaacs. At any rate, it's great to see the star in such a great place in life and enjoying it. On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, 'Survivor: South Pacific" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Christmas At Rockefeller Center" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Dr. Conrad Murray will be sentenced for manslaughter today in the death of singer Michael Jackson. The deputy district attorney has also asked a judge to order Murray to pay $1 million to the Jackson children for lost wages or profits in the death of their father. Actress Lauren London is denying rumors she's currently expecting a child with singer/songwriter The Dream. The star took to her Twitter account to dispel the rumors. She has a son with rapper Lil Wayne. Actress Shar Jackson was recently involved in  a tragic ordeal. The actress discovered that her assistant was conpemplating suicide, and tried to intervene. When she did, she discovered the assistant dead. Best wishes and prayers go out to the star. Jo Jo Simmons was recently kidnapped while out with friends. He somehow became separated from the group while they were at a club, and was taken away be a group of gentlemen, none of whom he knew. Although details are sketchy, he may have negotiated his release with a chain. This year's line-up for the annual Grammy award nominations concert has just gotten a little larger. First Lady of Young Money Nicki Minaj has been added to the festivities, joining an already star-studded telecast. She performed with French DJ David Guetta on the American Music Awards Sunday, and revealed that her next album, "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" will be released on Valentine's Day 2012. The nominations show will be hosted by LL Cool J and will feature performances by Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Ludacris and Lupe Fiasco. You can catch the show on CBS tomorrow at 10:00 p.m. In other Grammy news, rapper Rick Ross will join LL Cool J, Common and Lupe Fiasco for a special performance of the rap classic "The Message". Original Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five members Melly Mel and Scorpio will join the trio on stage. The performance will pay tribute to the legendary rap group, who will have their hit single inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.  Rapper Method has certainly come along way since his days with the Wu Tang Clan. He's appeared in more than a dozen movies since his first role in the film "187", and his next film, "The Mortician", will added yet another starring role to his resume. He plays a lonely mortician who finds joy in helping others say goodbye to their loved ones. His routine is disrupted when he encounters a boy who is running away from his father, a local crime boss. Although the film, which was shown at several film festivals this year hasn't secured theater distribution, you can catch Method Man's performance OnDemand and on DVD. The film is sure to be one worth watching. Although it's been a long time coming, considering his label problems and shelving an album which was intinally due last summer, rapper 50 Cent announced on Twitter that he's releasing a 10 song project called the "Big 10" and will shoot videos for each song. The G-Unit head stated that he has something in store for all the haters. Fans have been waiting for new music from the rapper since he revealed that he was 80 percent done with "Black Magic" in January. It was scheduled for release last summer, but was shelved. A reworked album was then scheduled for release in December, but it sounds like new music is finally on the way this time. On DVD: "Friends With Benefits", "Another Earth" and "Our Idiot Brother". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt 1" topped the holiday weekend box office earning over $40 million dollars. "The  Muppets", "Happy Feet Two", "Arthur Christmas" and "Hugo" round out the top five films of the week. G.O.O.D. Music signee Big Sean just can't seem to sit still. His debut album was released in June, and now he's announced that  he's working on his new mixtape "Finally Famous Over Everything". He elaborated on the delay  of the release of the tape by saying other commitments kept getting in the way, and now he's working on the project. He also mentioned a project that will feature his G.O.O.D. Music labelmates, which Kanye West tweeted about some time ago. The project will feature Kid Cudi, Kanye West, CyHi (Da Prince) and Pusha T. and is sure to be music that will be worth the wait for fans. There's no word on when the project will be released, however. Teen sensation Justin Bieber and his mentor Usher have gotten fans in the Christmas spirit. After the two performed together on the "Today Show", they stuck around for the annual Christmas tree lighting at New York's Rockefeller Center. The stars were joined on stage by Busta Rhymes, who performs on Bieber's Christmas album "Under The Mistletoe". The Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting special will air on November 30. Rapper T.I. will appear on the cover of the December issue of Vibe magazine. In the article, the rapper discusses his political views, gay rights and defends his wife Tamika "Tiny" Cottle from those who believe she should have taken the heat for his drug possession arrest some time back. Rapper 50 Cent is among those who seem to think she should have taken the charge for her man. T.I. made his feelings regarding 50's tweeted on the matter in the article. Although  he may have disappointed his Australian fans with the cancellation of some recent tour dates on the continent, rapper Lil Wayne will tour Africa for the first time. The tour kicks of on December 7. Stops in South Africa include Cape Town, Johannesberg and a newly added date in Durban. The shows in Africa will also feature Mack Maine, Gudda Gudda, Corey Gunz, Shanelle, Jay Millz and T-Streets from the Young Money roster. The shows are sure to thrill fans. It looks like talk show co-host Sherri Shepard and her husband Lamar "Sal" Sally will be the next Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries since news of their four month marriage coming to an end as hit. Reportedly, Sally had sex with one of Sherri's bridesmaids, but didn't tell her. To add insult to injury, he has been friends with benefits with the woman since college and insisted that she be one of the bridesmaids. The competition continues on "The X Factor" and it should be yet another exciting evening for both the studio and viewing audience. Be sure to tune in. On the tube: "Terra  Nova" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" on ABC and "The Sing-Off" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

There's no denying that it's been a tough year for Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy. Leading up to it's release, his long awaited album, "Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Abmition", has been plaqued by a series of push backs, most notably his public falling out with one-time collaborator-turned nemis Rick Ross. He's premiered the video for his single "F.A.M.E.", featuring fellow Atlanta rhyme slinger T.I. on "106 & Park", and seems ready to set the hip hop world on it's ear. He says perveserance and dedication were the keys to getting the new album done. His motto is if you grind hard, you shine hard. Shine hard is what fans have wanted him to do since the release of 2008's "The Recession". Delivering several mixtapes including "Trap Or Die 2" and this year's Gangsta Grills reunion "The Real Is Back" with DJ Drama between albums has helped him find his niche. With the new album filled with features from Jay Z, Andre 3000, Lil Wayne and others, it seems poised to be just as successful as his past releases. "Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition" hits stores on December 20. It's sure to be well worth the long wait. Hip hop band the Roots are feeling the backlash over an apparent stunt pulled on the NBC late night show "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon". Republican presidental candidate Michelle Bachman, who has been critized for making what some call false and iflammotory comments during her campaign, made a guest appearance on the show to discuss politics and family, only to be   welcomed to the stage to the band playing "Lying A*B*" from Fishbone's debut 1985 album. Now, conservatives, including Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh are speaking out calling the act disrespectful. Bachman herself has also commented calling the act disrespectful. This isn't the first time the band has sublimally dissed a "Late Night" guest. When Ashlee Simpson, who was caught lip-synching on 'Saturday Night Live" appeared on the show, they played "Girl You Know It's True" by fellow fakers Milli Vanilli. Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am told his 1.5 million Twitter followers back in June that his group would take a short break. Now, after a recent concert the group is set to take a short break with Will.i.am releasing a solo album next year and Fergie taking time to start a family with husband Josh Duhamel. Apl.de.ap lans to spend more time as an education ambassador to the Philippines and Taboo want to spend more time with his growing family. At any rate, let's hope the group gets back to making great music soon. It would be a shame to have them away from the music scene too long. The competition will continue on "The X Factor" and "The Sing-Off" as well as contestants battle it out for the grand prize. Be sure to tune in, there's sure to be plenty to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. On the tube: "Iron Man" on Fox, "Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas" on CBS, "Shrek The Third" on ABC and "National Treasure: Book Of Secrets" on NBC. Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Wednesday Roundup

Rumor has it that rapper Lil Wayne married his long time girlfriend a few days ago. The two tied the knot in a civil ceromony. The bride was given two wedding rings; one which she wears on her index finger, which is a Hebrew tradition, the other she wears on her ring finger. There are no other details regarding the wedding. In the meantime, protoge Drake's sophomore album, "Take Care" has landed at the top of the Billboard charts. The album has already sold over 150,000 copies since it's release, and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In other news, Juvenile has squashed all rumors regarding a Hot Boys reunion. He says while he has no ill will towards his former bandmates, he and Birdman talk occasionally, and the possibility of a reunion is never mentioned. Actress Jennifer Hudson will appear on the cover of the next issue of Ebony magazine. In the article, she discusses the tragic murder of her brother, nephew and mother saying attending her fiance's wrestling match saved her life. The singer has wowed any and all who have seen her as she's lost weight and kept the weight off. She looks great. The VH1 special "Divas Live" has just added more performers to it's star-studded list. Joining Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson and Erykah Badu, will be Boys 2 Men. The show, which should be exciting as ever will air on December 19. 30 years after the release of their seminal hit "The Message" it's been announced that legendary rap group Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five will be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. According to Allhiphop.com, the group is just one of 25 inductees, which include Mahalia Jackson, Bill Cosby, Gene Autrey and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, for his "I Have A Dream" speech. The 54th annual Grammy Awards will be held February 12, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. There's no denying that rapper J. Cole has had a banner year. First, he released his long awaited debut album, "Cole World: A Sideline Story", topping the Billboard charts, then headlining his own international tour. Now, he's set to appear on the cover of hip hop culture magazine Respect. He's the lead interview in the magazine and poses in a black leather jacket and graphic t-shirt. The magazine also features interviews with Meek Mill, A.S.A.P., Rocky, Common and French Montant and others. Respect magazine will hit newsstands on November 29. J. R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff were crowed the winners on last night's "Dancing With The Stars". The results brought yet another exciting season to an end and it's anyone's guest what the show has in store for fans next season. Congratulations to the winners. In theaters this weekend: "Arthur Christmas", "Hugo" and "The Muppets". On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, "Survivor: South Pacific" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Up All Night" on NBC. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday Tales

With rumors of her death swirling throughout the internet, rapper Missy Elliott took to Twitter to dispel the rumors by saying she thanks fans for their support and she's doing well. The rapper has had some health issues recently, but has kept going. It's great to hear she's doing well. Now, if we can just get another album from her. Rumors continue regarding whether Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez are seeing one another again. Some sources say yes, while other sources say no. It's anyone's guest what's really going on with the two, although they appeared at the same event recently. Since the release of his mixtape, rapper Ludacris has had people talking. They've been talking about two songs on the tape where he apparently takes swipes and Big Sean and Drake. Drake addressed the matter diplomatically, and Big Sean has done the same. There's enough room for everyone to become as successful as they want. There's no need for ridiculous beefs. The video for Rihanna's single "We Found Love" has been banned in France. It seems the party responsible feels the video is much too raunchy. So far, there's been no comment from the singer, or anyone in the singer's camp. She continues to keep the music and videos coming. Although he's not the first star to appear in a sex tape, that hasn't stopped rumors from spreading about Chris Brown doing just that. According to TMZ, an alleged sex tape starring the singer and "Basketball Wives LA" star Draya is in the hands of an unnamed seller who is reportedly asking for 50k for the tape. The singer's representatives say that the rumor is absolutely not true. Members of the singer's camp seem to believe the rumors only spread when he has a performance or big event scheduled. Only time will tell what's true and false. With over 12 years solid in the hip hop game and after having collaborated with Nas, Lauryn Hill, Mos Def and Talib Kweli, rapper Common discussed his being slow to team up with the new generation of rappers during a recent interview. He says it's a matter of getting to know people. Two artists the Chicago MC stated he wouldn't mind collaborating with are J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. He went on to say that Lamar, in particular, is an artist that  he hears and thinks that's what's hip hop needs. Here's hoping a collaboration happens soon. It would definitely be a treat for fans of the artists. The semi-finals of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" took place, and it's anyone's guest who will win the mirror ball trophy. The contestants have all been bringing the heat, although Riki Lake seems to be one possible winner. Be sure to tune in for tonight's results show. After the media blitz regarding the temper tantrum of a contestant, the competition on "The X Factor" continues as well. Here's hoping the contestant in question shows more self-respect and respect for the judges and audience as well. Singer Kelly Rowland recently revealed that her Christmas wish is to reunite with her biological father, whom she hasn't seen in 20 years. Let's hope the wish comes true.  On DVD: "Super 8", "Conan The Barbarian", "The Devil's Double" and "Spy Kids: All The Time In The World". On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt 1" topped the weekend box office earning over $130 million dollars. "Happy Feet Two", "Immortals", "Jack and Jill" and "Puss and Boots" round out the top five films of the week. Music's hottest stars turned out for the American Music Awards last night. Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj and Usher all performed at the ceremony. First Lady of Young Money Nicki Minaj won Favorite Hip Hop Artist, while Beyonce won Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, Female, and Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, Male, went to Usher. All in all, the show was an exciting one for the studio and television audience alike, ensuring that next year's show will be even better. Many paid their last respects to hip hop legend Dwight "Heavy D" Myers when he was laid to rest on Nov. 18. Mary J. Blige, Johnny Gill and Sean "Diddy" Combs were among those in attendance. President Barack Obama sent a special plaque to the later rapper's 13-year-old daughter Xea Myers, who spoke to the crowd during an emotional moment. The rapper has left a rich legacy that will live on forever. May he rest in peace. Rapper Lupe Fiasco was the victim of some overzealous TSA officers when he was detained while boarding a plane at LAX. They spotted what they assumed was a suspicious recording device in the rapper's luggage, which turned out to be  a piece of recording equipment he didn't know was not allowed on the plane. He later tweeted about the incident and boarded his plane without further incident. In case you haven't already, pick up a copy of the latest issue of GQ magazine, featuring rapper Jay Z on the cover. The magazine also features a profile of Odd Future crooner Frank Ocean as it' Rookie of the Year. The singer, dressed in a black-and-white three-piece, discusses the opportunities he was presented. GQ magazine is on newsstands now. Although he's been a recluse for some time now, singer D'Angelo seems ready to hit the scene again. He's announced  a series of shows in Europe next year. According to Soul Culture, the singer will appear at the Le Zenith in Paris on January 29, then hit Amsterdam's Paradisco two nights later and finally play London's O2 Academy Brixton on February 3. While some may seem sceptical, since the singer's been quite for some time, minus a few arrests, D'Angelo friend and collaborator ?quest Love of the Roots revealed that the singer's new album is in the "home stretch" and that Q-Tip will be featured on the record. Let's hope we hear from the singer soon. He's been away too long and talent like his goes a long way in the industry. Rap rookie Asher Roth has left Steve Ritfin and SRC/Universal Records for Def Jam Records, according to Shawn Pecas, VP of Lifestyle, Promotion and Marketing for Def Jam. The suburban rapper has a mixtape "Pabst & Jazz" set for release on December 21. A sophomore album titled "Is This Too Orange" will be released  early next year, and will feature Pharrell Williams and Nottz Raw. He created a buzz with the release of his debut album "Asleep In The Bread Aisle". He's sure to keep the buzz going. The competition continues on "Dancing With The Stars" and it's sure to be an exciting evening for the studio and viewing audience as well. It's down to the wire and it's anyone's guest who will win the grand prize. 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!