Friday Facts

Rapper Nicki Minja took to Twitter to discuss how much she enjoyed an encounter with fellow star Madonna. She went on to say the two kissed and how much she enjoyed it. There's been no word on whether the two have entered a full blown relationship, however. Soul singer Anthony Hamilton is ready for fans to see another side of him. He's currently working on his next project and seeks to broaden his sound. He'll start with his new single, "Woo", which pairs him with Babyface, who co-wrote and co-produced the track. The track is the first single from his new album "Back To Love", which is due on December 13. Although the Charlotte born singer doesn't plan to stray too far from what fans have come to know and love him for, he says he doesn't want to be known as a sad cat and is ready to have some fun. Fans certainly have more good music to look forward too. Teen sensation Diggy Simmons recently debuted his new video "Do It Like You" featuring Jeremih on "106 & Park" and answered questions from the audience. The only information the rapper would reveal regarding his debut album is that it will be released in early 2012 and not much else. He did hint at the feel of the project by saying that there's a theme and everything in between. Fans shouldn't expect too many collaborations, however. The rising star is concerned with proving himself as an artist. And he also let be known to ladies wondering that he is indeed single. Music is his first priority, however. Kid Cudi has returned to the scene by releasing the first single from his group WZRD with producer Dot Da Genius. He gave fans a download link of the track "Teleport 2 Me" on Twitter. Meanwhile his next album his set to be released on January 30, his 28th birthday. Yet another week of competition has ended on "The X Factor" and it remains to be seen who will walk away with the grand prize. Keep tuned in as the contestants continue to battle it out for the prize. The competition on "The Sing-Off" continues as well. It's been an exciting season so far, and it's sure to get better as the season goes on. In theaters this weekend: "New Year's Eve" and "The Sitter". On the tube: "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, "Frosty The Snowman" on CBS, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC and 'Chuck" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Congratulations to legendary rap group the Beastie Boys are in order. The group will be inducted into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame. The group hit the scene in the 1980's and had such hits as "Fight For Your Right To Party" and "Paul Revere". They join Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five and Run-DMC among hip hop artists inducted into the hall of fame. Meanwhile, the members of the legendary R&B group War are reportedly not pleased. It appears the group feels it's been snubbed by the selection committee. They say they were cranking out gold records when the Beastie Boys were still in diapers. The group was among the most popular funk bands of the 1970's and had such hits as "Cisco Kid", "Low Rider", "Why Can't Be Friends" and "Spill The Wine". Hopefully, they will be inducted into the hall of fame soon. Rapper Nicki Minaj will be among the performers on Dick Clark's "New Years Rockin Eve". The First Lady of Young Money is sure to keep both the live and studio audience mesmerized while performing her hits. "New Years Rockin Eve" will air on ABC. Since it's been revealed that she and boyfriend Slimm had split, actress Vivica A. Fox has since spoken out saying she fell for a six pack and a smile. The two split on one prior occasion before splitting for good. At any rate, here's wishing both the best. Rapper Soulja Boy is reportedly suing his manager. The rapper alleges that the manager took advantage of him since he signed with him as a teen. There's no word on the amount of damages being sought. Congratulations to rapper T.I. and wife Tiny are in order. Their new reality series "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle" drew in millions of viewers when it premiered and is sure to continue to do well throughout the season. The show follows the couple as they juggle family and careers. Speaking of reality shows, rapper 50 Cent confirmed that he's signed DJ Pauly D from the MTV reality series Jersey Shore to a deal through the G-Unit general's G-Note Records. He says Pauly is a viable artist with a lot of potential. There's no word on when a project will be released, however. Casting for the up coming season of ABC's "The Bachelor" has begun and it's anyone's guest which ladies will appear on the show to vie for Ben Flajnik's attention. There's no word on when the new season will begin. On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

With rumors regarding her being burned out and tired still circulating, singer Rihanna hit the stage an hour late during a recent concert. The rather ironic thing is, the tardiness occured at the same venue where the star was late some time before. She took the stage to boos from fans. Let's hope no more incidents like that one occur in the future. No one who buys concert tickets expects the show to start an hour late. British singer Adele continues to make major waves in the industry. The 23-year-old singer/songwriter has now surpassed a UK sales record once held by idol Amy Winehouse. Her album, "21", has sold over 3.4 million copies in the UK, beating out Winehouse's release "Back To Black", which sold 3.3 million since it's release in 2006. Adele paid tribute to Winehouse after her sudden death in June. She says Winehouse paved the wave for singers like her and made fans excited about British music again. Meanwhile, "21" has become the best selling album in the US, where it's sold over four million copies and spent over a dozen weeks at Billboard's number one spot. The singer's also up for several Grammy's and should be a shoe in to win in all categories she's been nominated in . After a well publicized falling out with 50 Cent and G-Unit, Nashville native Young Buck revealed that he's turned to one of 50 Cent's rivals to help with the release of his next project, Rick Ross. During a recent interview he revealed that he will release a mixtape with Ross' Maybach Music Group. He says he's releasing "Back On My Buck Sh*t Volume 1 and 2". His last album, "The Rehab", was released on Real Talk Entertainment and his own Cashville Records in 2010. He's currently facing the liquidation of his assets due to outstanding obligations to 50 Cent and Universal Music Group. Here's hoping things are sorted out soon. If it ain't broke don't fix it is the motto rapper Wiz Khalifa is using in preparation of his sophomore release. In a recent interview, the Pittsburgh rapper stated he's working on his next album and doesn't plan to stray too far from what fans have grown to know and love him for. He also revealed that he plans to release a mixtape, "Taylor Allderdice", prior to the release of the album. He and veteran MC Snoop Dogg have a film and soundtrack album in the works. The two will star in the film "Mac & Devin Go To High School" and have already hit the late night television circuit performing and promoting the up coming film. There's a tour in the works as well. Redman and Method Man will reportedly join the two on a few dates of the High School tour. In the meantime, "Mac & Devin Go To High School" will hit stores on December 13. The competition continues on Fox's "The X Factor". The contestants continue to battle it out for the grand prize and attempt to wow judges and the studio audience as well. It's been an exciting season thus far, and should continue until the winner is revealed.  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

Reportedly singer Rihanna is tired and burned out, at least that's the rumor circulating. Pictures of the singer have surfaced on the internet with what appears to be bruises on her legs. The singer's representatives are calling them sores. At any rate, let's hope the singer's well being is considered by all around her and she takes a break before suffering a breakdown. Legendary West Coast rapper Ice Cube is set to add television star to his list of accomplishments. He's reportedly inked a deal to star in a drama series in which he'll play a veteran paramedic. There's been no word on when the series will air. Cable network VH1 has announced that it has found a replacement for the show "Single Ladies". Fans will recall that actress Stacy Dash was fired from the show with no explanation given. There's been no word on when new episodes with the new cast member will air. Wu Tang Clan member RZA is the latest artist to start a line of headphones. The  headphones reportedly have lights that laminate with the music as one listens. The headsets are in stores now. Both "Love & Hip Hop" and "The T.I. & Tiny" show aired with plenty of drama for fans. Be sure to keep watching as the season progresses. Both shows are sure to provide fans with all the drama they can handle. Rumors have surfaced that rapper Jay Z has signed "The X Factor" contestant Brian "Astro" Bradley to his Rock Nation. Stopping by "106 & Park", the Brooklyn MC dispelled the rumor and discussed his experience on the hit Fox show. He says he learned how to handle things better. While there's been no word on a debut album he says he'd like to work with Jay Z, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams, although he doesn't want to add too many guest spots to his debut. At any rate, here's wishing the rising star much success in the industry. Robin Thicke and The Roots have new music in stores this week. On DVD: "Cowboys & Aliens", "Mr Popper's Penguins", "The Help" and "The Hangover Pt 2". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and "A Michael Buble Christmas" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt 1" topped the weekend box office, earning over $16 million dollars. "Muppets", "Hugo", "Arthur Christmas", "Happy Feet Two" round out the top five films of the week. In conjunction with the release of his fifth studio album, "Love After War" singer Robin Thicke has hit the road on a mini concert series. The six city  tour will end on December 16 in West Hollywood at the Key Club. Thicke, who performed the single "Love After War" at the recent Soul Train Music Awards, is using the tour to promote the album, which features a guest spot by Lil Wayne and production by Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beatz. The concept album, which focuses on his love for wife actress Paula Patton will be released tomorrow. Sad news out of the world of hip hop. According to Allhiphop.com, rapper Tommy Hill was shot and killed in Philadelphia earlier this week, with robbery being the apparent motive. The rapper, born John Wilson, was a member of the rap group R.A.M. Squad. He was leaving a Philadelphia bar known as Reuben's Marc when he was shot and robbed. No other details are available. Rapper Drake graces the cover of the latest issue of Jet magazine. He discusses his career and what's next for him in the article. Jet magazine is on newsstands now. If you think rapper T.I. is losing sleep over losing rapper Meek Mill to Rick Ross, you'd be wrong. The Grand Hustle boss says he understands after his two prison bids he wasn't able to make the moves Mill may have wanted. He also stated that he's the first to enhance what an artist has, and if he can't then he shouldn't be a part of what they do. In the meantime, Meek Mill went on to sign with Rick Ross and release the single "I'm  A Boss", a remix of which features T.I. Tip concludes by saying he loves to see black people making money, because the more blacks make money, the more they can provide for those who aren't. Rapper J. Cole is no doubt feeling good about how his year has gone. First, he released his debut album, "Cole World: The Sideline Story", which went on to top the charts. Now, as the Grammy nominations are announced, it's been revealed that he's received the Best New Artist nod. Cole's career suffered  a few setbacks before taking off after his participation in cable network BET's Music Matter initiative and tour. Meanwhile, Kanye West leads the list of Grammy nominations with a total of seven, with Adele, Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars each receiving six. The Grammy Awards will air on February 12, 2012 on CBS at 8 PM. It will be the first show to operate under the new revamped all-inclusive category format. It should be an exciting one for viewers. The competition continues on "The Sing-Off" as contestants battle for the grand prize. The competition on "The X Factor" continues later this week as well. On the tube: "American Country Awards" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS. "Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC and "The Sing-Off" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

After some speculation and denial, the rumors of rapper Drake leaving Young Money seem to be true after all. The MC has reportedly fired his management team and his agent. The management team, Hip Hop Since 1978 also manage Kanye West and Nicki Minaj, among others. It appears that with this move the rapper looks to move his career in a different direction. Stay tuned.  In the meantime, labelmate Nicki Minaj's new single will be released today and her album will be released in February. You'd think Kanye West would be taking the fact that he hasn't been nominated for many Grammys, but not so. Maino took to Twitter to let it be known that he's none too pleased with not being nominated for many Grammys this year. Kanye West tops the nomination list with seven. The Grammy Awards will air in February 2012. With rumors of T-Boz's financial problems looming, it's been announced that a biopic on TLC is in the works. There's no word on casting, or when shooting will begin. The final four contestants have been chosen on "The X Factor", and it's anyone's guest who will win the grand prize. Be sure to tune in as the competition continues. It turns out that the rumor that dancehall artist Vybz Kartel is just that, a rumor. The rumor circulating was that a $3 million bail had been posted ,but that rumor has been dispelled. The artist will definitely continue serving his prison time for murder. Atlanta rapper B.o.B. continues to create buzz in the industry. For those unaware, he's released a mixtape titled "E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial)" to hold fans over until the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album "Strange Clouds". While speaking of the mixtape during a recent interview the MC stated that it' s a fusion between the outer limits and the inner limits. The tape is highlighted by the first single "Strange Clouds", and features collaborations with Eminem, Mos Def, Meek Mill and Playboy Tre. Fans should be more than pleased with the tape until the release of the MC's album. In the meantime, he revealed that he and fellow Atlanta rapper T.I. have been in the studio together. Although no title or release date has been confirmed, the rhyme spitter confirmed that what started out as a joke lead to some studio time, so fans should certainly be on the lookout for music from the duo. While there's no official title or release date of the G.O.O.D. Music compilation album, while on tour rapper Big Sean assured fans that his next album is just about complete and will be released early next year. Although little is known about the content, the MC could use it to address talk of a brewing beef between he and hip hop star Ludacris. Although the Detroit rapper has stated he doesn't have a problem with Luda, some believe he was the target of Luda's wrath on the single "Bada Boom" from the Atlanta rapper's mixtape "1.21 Gigawatts: Back To The First Time". In theaters this weekend: "Answers To Nothing", "Coriolanus", "Outrage", "Pastorela", "Shame" and "Sleeping Beauty". On the tube: "College Football Live" on Fox, "A Gifted Man' on CBS, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC and "Game Of Your Life" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson was rushed to a hospital after becoming ill. The reason for the sudden illness is reportedly food poisoning after consuming tainted seafood. Here's hoping and praying that the singer gets well soon. The child custody battle between singer Usher Raymond and his ex-wife Tameka Foster is getting nasty. Foster is now fighting for custody of the couple's two children siting resources for a nanny and the singer's alleged drug problem as reasons for the fight. She also claims that she discovered pills in the singer's pocket a few years back and that the reason he appeared out of sorts in a video which hit the internet some time ago is due to possible drug addiction, not respiratory problems as the singer's representatives had claimed initially. Stay tuned. This story gets more complicated by the day and it's anyone's guest how things will progress from here. NBA star Kris Humphries is now insisting on an annulment from ex-wife Kim Kardashian instead of divorce. Under California law one can only file for an annulment on the grounds of incest, polygamy, force, sound mind or fraud. Humphries has chosen fraud, so it remains to be seen where things will go from here. The annual Grammy awards nomination show aired last night, with Rihanna, Kanye West and Ludacris all performing.  The show was an exciting one, and the Grammy telecast should be just as exciting. Tribute was paid to the late Michael Jackson on last night's "The X Factor" with the singer's mother Katherine, brothers Marlon and Tito and children all in attendance. Unfortunately, only one contestant did justice to the songs performed on the show. Be sure to tune in to the results show to see who goes home. Rapper Lil Wayne has had a wonderful 2011 and is sure to have an even better 2012. He's set to tour with Eminem. Although no tour dates have been announced, the shows, if they happen should be exciting for fans of both artists. Legendary singer Stevie Wonder has stated he would like to lose weight, as he's serious about competing on "Dancing With The Stars". He'd like to show off his dance moves. It will be interesting to see if Wonder's representatives and representatives for the show can make an appearance happen. If they do, he'll be the first blind contestant to compete on the show. Miami rapper Trina is set to team up with video director X ( formerly known as Little X) and producer Rockwilder for a reality series tentatively titled "America's Next Top Rapper". The three will act as judges as the competition takes them through various cities in search of talent. The winner will receive a deal with Universal Music, a video shoot with X, a single produced by Rockwilder, a $20,000 cash prize, photo shoot, a professional team, clothes and a national tour. The show sounds like an opportunity for talented unknowns to showcase their gifts and should do well. The competition continues tonight on "The X Factor" as contestants continue to give all they have in their quest for the grand prize. Tune in. On the tube: "The X Factor" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!