Tuesday Tales

Rapper Snoop Dogg was arrested in Texas recently. His tour bus was pulled over at checkpoint in Sierra Blanca for a routine search. Drug sniffing dogs discovered marijuana in a trash can. The rapper admitted to being the owner of the drug. The West Coast MC has a prescription for the drug in California, but Texas has a zero tolerance policy for the drug. He was taken into custody, but has since been released after being issued a citation for a misdemeanor. If convicted, he faces 180 days in jail. Tyga was arrested as well. He was pulled over for a minor traffic violation, when authorities ran a background check only to discover he has warrants out for other traffic violations as well. There's no word on a court date in this case. Jay Z and Beyonce release a joint statement regarding the birth of the couple's first child, daughter Blue Ivy Carter. They say among other things, that the birth was a natural one, and not a C-section, as some reports have claimed. Jay Z also reportedly forked over 1.3 million dollars to close off the wing of the New York hospital where Beyonce gave birth. In other Jay Z and Beyonce baby news, other new mothers at the hospital are reportedly suing the hospital because they feel they were neglected. No word on a court date or damages being sought. In the meantime, Hova has recorded and released a song about the new edition to the family. He even goes so far to reveal that the baby was conceived in Paris, and that the couple had a miscarriage some time back. At any rate, congratulations to the new parents.  Dr Conrad Murray is now asking that a motion be filed to release evidence not shared with the defense during his trial. The evidence will presumably prove Michael Jackson did indeed inject himself with a lethal dose of probaphol. The Dr was ordered by a judge to pay about $1 million to Jackson's estate for his role in the singer's death. Good news for fans of rapper T.I.'s new reality series. The show has been renewed for another season, and is sure to continue with more drama and excitement. Patrick Allocco, the American concert promoter who was recently kidnapped, and is still being held in Angola due to a dispute over a cancelled Nas concert, now says the MC has returned most of his fee, but still owes $100,000. Allocco gave Nas and an opening act $300,000 to appear at a New Year's Eve concert, but neither showed up. As a result, the promoter and his son were abducted at gunpoint by the show's financial backer, and interrogated for hours in a holding cell. Nas stated he would return the fee, but didn't know where to send the money. The promoter says the rapper is now reneging on the agreement. So far, no comment from Nas. On DVD: "Moneyball", "What's Your Number?", "Killer Elite" and "Higher Ground". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and "Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "The Devil Inside" topped the weekend box office, earning over $30 million. "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", "Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows", "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and "Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!" round out the top five films of the week. In a relatively short career, Rihanna has pulled off what some may consider a crowning achievement. The 23-year-old singer has been named by Nielsen as the best selling digital artist of all time. With 47.5 million downloads sold since her first release in 2005, she's earned the title by a comfortable margin. In second place are the Black Eyed Peas, with 42.4 million and in third is Eminem with 42.29  million. Rihanna, who released her sixth album in November, rose to popularity during the digital age. Previously, she made Billboard history by reaching 20 Top Ten singles faster than any other artist before her. She also charted her 11th number-one single, giving her sixth most numbers ones of all time. After putting his record label on blast, rapper 50 Cent issued a pubic apology to Interscope Records for his recent Twitter rant against the label. He once stated that he had lost faith in the label that signed him, then had a change of heart saying he was sorry to the team. He discovered a computer glitch leaked a track from his new album. As mentioned previously, this is the latest in the on-going battle between the Queens NY rapper and his label over the release of his new as yet untitled album. Hopefully, things have been worked out. It looks like the beef between Drake and Common has been taken to a new level. Common has released a remix to the Rick Ross track featuring Drake called "Stay Schemin". In the song, he unleashes some very venomous words toward the Toronto MC. This, after Drake took swipes at the Chicago native on the original song. Stay tuned, as only time will tell where things will go from here. Here's hoping the beefing stops soon. There's enough room in the industry for both artists. Congratulations to Jay Z and Beyonce are in order. The two became the  proud parents of a baby girl. Parents and child are doing well. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelor" on ABC and "Who's Still Standing?" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

Rapper Kanye West continues to make waves in the industry. He's reportedly starting a new venture called Donda, after the rapper's late mother Dr. Donda West. He says this venture will change the world and include graphic designers, doctors, lawyers, and others. The Chicago MC is definitely making things happen. In other Kanye West news, rumor has it that when word hit regarding Kim Kardashian sending the rhyme slinger nude photos of herself, she reportedly tried to contact him ask him to deny the accusation. The accusation was made by model Amber Rose, who, as mentioned previously, stated the photos were sent when Kardashian was dating Reggie Bush and Rose was seeing West. Stay tuned, one can only guest what else will be revealed. Speaking of Amber Rose, the model's current beau, Wiz Khalifa, has been hit with a lawsuit by a gentleman claiming Wiz stole the hit "Black & Yellow". The gentlemen is asking for damages, while Wiz says the claim that he stole the song is false. We'll see what happens with that. Rihanna can add another feat to her list of accomplishments. She's become the most followed star on Twitter. Nicki Minaj is the most followed rapper on the social networking site. Congratulations to both ladies. Actor/rapper Nick Cannon has been transferred to an LA hospital and appears to be recovering nicely from mild kidney failure. The star tweeted a picture of himself getting a hair cut in the hospital, and thanked fans for their prayers and well wishes. Rick Ross fans will be happy to know that the Bawse has released a mixtape, which should hold everyone over until the release of his next album. 90's R&B group Boys To Men received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, reports My Fox LA. The Philadelphia PA group has won nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three Billboard Awards and four Grammys. Their 1991 debut album "Cooleyhigh Harmony" sold more than nine million copies worldwide. In total, they have sold over 60 million albums together.  The group was joined at the ceremony by songwriters/producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Group member Michael McCary, who left the group in 2003 due to chronic back problems, did not attend the ceremony. Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds spoke to the crowd about recording the group's biggest hit, "End Of The Road" saying that he was just as nervous as the boys were about working together. Group member Wanya Morris thanked road manager Khalil Roundtree for being a father figure to them. The group is expected to hit the road on a 17 city European tour to promote their latest album "Twenty". Actor Don Cheadle graces the cover of the latest issue of Jet magazine. The star discusses his latest project, his career and what's next for him. The latest issue of Jet magazine is on newsstands now. The fall/winter film season continues with the upcoming release of "Contraband", starring Mark Wahlberg. It appears to be an action paced film that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. In theaters this weekend: "The Devil Inside".  On the tube: "College Football" on Fox, "A Gifted Man" on CBS, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

After denying rumors of a split some time back, Star magazine has reported that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are divorcing. The magazine claims Jada took time to meet with a divorce lawyer. The lawyer is a well known celebrity divorce lawyer who has represented Brittany Spears, Jennifer Lopez and others. As reported previously, the split appears to be over what the direction the couple's two children's career's should go in. At any rate, here's hoping things can be worked out. NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco and "Basketball Wives" star Evelyn Lozada appear to be calling it quits as well. Rumor has it that the two have put their wedding plans on hold due to Chad's rumored cheating. They were scheduled to begin shooting their new reality series in three weeks. Rapper Nas is trying to do what he can to get the concert promoter who was kidnapped because he was a no show at a recent concert back to the U.S. safely. He now says he didn't intend to keep the money he was paid for the show, he never agreed to perform, and there was some miscommunication regarding travel plans. He also states his trying to determine where the money he received should be sent. Could Kim Kardashian be the reason for the Kanye West/Amber Rose split. According to Anber Rose, yes. Rose claims that Kardashian sent nude photos of herself to West, while she was still dating Reggie Bush. Rose also claims that when she asked Kardashian to stop, Kardashian didn't respond. So much for lady like behavior. First Jennifer Lopez moves on to a 24-year-old boy toy, now Mark Anthony moves on to a 24-year-old gal pal. Pictures have surfaced with Anthony and the young  model, although there's no word on how serious the relationship is as yet. Actress Halle Berry, who once vowed to never marry again after two divorces, has been since sporting what looks like an engagement ring. No comment from the actress as yet. Melanie Amaro, the first winner of the American edition of "The X Factor" will certainly have a happy new year. She's collected her grand  prize, a contract with Epic Records worth $5 million. The 19-year-old singer beat out 100,000 competitors, including co-finalists Chris Rene and Josh Kracjik, on the much talked about singing competition. In addition to her mulit-million dollar recording contract, she will appear in a Pepsi commerical which will air during the Superbowl on February 5. With the Academy Awards aring soon, actor George Clooney and actress Viola Davis grace the cover of Entertainment Weekly magazine. The two friends, who have done three films together, discuss their careers and their frustrations with the industry. Clooney sited the believe that women can't carry  an entire film, while Davis discussed the lack of roles for black actresses. The new issue of Entertainment Weekly is on newsstands now. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Singer Mariah Carey is asking for thoughts and prayers for her husband Nick Cannon. He's in a hospital in Aspen suffering from mild kidney failure. She tweeted pictures of she and Nick in bed, and says that the condition is serious, but they are trying to remain positive. An American concert promoter and his son were kidnapped at gun point by the henchmen of an Angolan impresario when Nas and an opening act failed to show for a concert in Angola. The two were paid $315,000 for the show, but neither ever made their flight. The promoter and his son were then taken into custody by authorities where they were questioned for over seven hours before they let them go. But not to return to the United States, of course. The promoter is now asking that the money paid by returned for his and his son's safe return to the U.S. As mentioned  previously, Drake reportedly spent the holidays with ex Nevy, whom inspired his hit "The Best I Ever Had". Now, mediatakeout.com has posted pictures of Nevy with one of Drake's friends. So far, there's been no comment from Drake on the matter. Fans and journalists looking forward to interviews with singer Chris Brown will be disappointed. A representative for the singer has announced that he will concentrate on recording and performing. He believes it important to let his work speak for itself. The singer will appear on the 2012 Grammy Awards. It will be his first appearance on the show since 2009.  A few morbid tweets from rapper 50 Cent has fans wondering and worrying about what's going on with the G-Unit general. He assures fans that he's just fine. Now if he can just get his new album in stores. Dr Dre recently confirmed that there may be some truth to the rumor of an N.W.A.biopic. As he was leaving Los Angeles restaurant Red O, Dre stated that the matter has been discussed. In fact, there's a possibility that the children of Dr Dre, Ice Cube and the late Eazy E will play their famous fathers in the film. N.W.A. rose to fame in the late 1980's and changed the face of rap. Talks have also been had regarding a separate biopic on Eazy E. The rapper's son, Lil Eazy E is said to be a candidate to play his father in the film. We'll have to wait and see what happens. On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "I Get That A Lot" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and ""Up All Night" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Just when the rumor that singer Beyonce had given birth to a baby girl, it turns out the rumor was false. A food blog posted that the singer was spotted along with hubby Jay Z at a New Year's Eve party hosted by sister Solange. Solange posted a shout out on social networking site Twitter stating her older sister is a cute pregnant woman. In addition, the couple were seen at another holiday event. Beyonce is set to give birth next month. Rapper Drake has a new woman in his life. Reportedly, she's a model, and the two spent the holidays together. The funny thing about this rumor is, that Drake reportedly got together with ex-girlfriend Nevy. Nevy, for those unaware, inspired Drake's first hit single, "The Best I Ever Had". Congratulations to Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin are in order. She's gotten engaged to long time friend William Wilkerson, and the two plan to marry this summer in Miami Beach. Rapper Flesh-N-Bone of Bone Thugs & Harmony has struck a deal in his domestic violence case. He's plead guilty only to false imprisonment, with the other charges dropped. In addition, he'll get three years probation, have to attend a domestic violence program, perform 100 hours of community service and donate $400 to a battered women's shelter.  Meanwhile, Usher will appear in court next month to prove he's not an unfit father. His ex-wife, Tameka Foster, has accused the singer of taking the couple's children on trips without permission, hiring nannies without her consent, and closing her Sak's Fifth Avenue account. Usher says all of his ex-wife's allegations are lies. Fans of Atlanta rapper T.I. will be happy to know that the MC has released a mixtape titled "F*** Da City Up". This, despite the fact that he stated sometime ago that he may never do another mixtape. The guest stars on the mixtape include Young Jeezy, Travis Porter, Too Short, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, B.o.B., Future and Dr Dre. Jeezy and T.I. reunite for the title track, while Dr Dre appears on "Popped Off". While he hasn't confirmed a official release date for his next album, "Trouble Man", T.I. stated the project will hit store shelves in 2012. Rapper 50 Cent has started the new year fighting the same battle he fought in 2011. He's still facing creative differences with his label, Interscope Records, and has promised to not support any new music the label releases on his behalf. He took to his Twitter account yesterday to air his grievances while also highlighting his many charitable donations, namely is Street King food drive. The outspoken rapper criticized his label last year for not promoting his project properly, even to the point of vowing to not record any more music. He hasn't released a solo album since 2009's "Before I Self Destruct". On DVD: "Harry Potter: The Complete 8 Film Collection", "Star Wars: The Complete Saga" and "Kung Fu Panda 2". On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

Although he's already addressed the issue, Detroit rapper Big Sean went on Shade 45 to once again address the rumored beef between he and Atlanta rapper Ludacris. He says where he's from, beef is dangerous and he never considered it a beef. He refers to the diss track Luda released called "Badaboom" as free promotion for himself. He went on to add that he doesn't have a problem with Ludacris and hopes he has a good year. Here's hoping the matter has, once and for all, been resolved. Rapper Rick Ross has found himself on the wrong side of the Nigerian government after canceling a performance at one of the country's top music festivals. The State of Cross River, Nigeria has hired American lawyers to sue the Miami MC after he failed to appear at a December 28 performance at the Calabar Carnival. While Ross blames the cancellation on "contractual obligations", a statement issued by the Cross River government stated Ross cancelled after receiving his performance fee. Cross River State is seeking damages, including the return of Ross's performance fee. There's no word on a court date. They say you should never say never. After a much publicized split in 2009, it appears Chris Brown and Rihanna  may be considering a reconciliation. E! Online has reportedly found circumstantial evidence via a series of tweets the two have posted, seemly directed toward each other. Although there's been no comment from either, there's enough to get touges wagging. With an already extensive rap sheet, DMX having yet another run in with the law is like adding gasoline to the fire. That's what happened in Hollywood when the rapper was pulled over for, of all things, not wearing a seat belt. This time, however, there was no mug shot, or drama. Just a ticket and a warning to buckle up next time. The rapper told TMZ he'll take care of the ticket and that would be the only reason he'd come in contact with the police. He's a changed man. It looks like the police believe him. It's great to he's turned his life around. It looks like legendary singer Etta James has received a Christmas gift. The singer was taken of a respirator and is breathing on her own, according to her manager Lupe de Leon. He also stated that the singer's blood pressure has stabilized. James was diagnosed with terminal leukemia and suffering from dementia, and was put on a respirator after being admitted to Southern California Hospital due to breathing difficulty. Her cancer was declared incurable three weeks ago. James's manager said at the time of her hospitalization that she was in bad shape. Hopefully, the singer will be able to return home soon. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelor" on ABC and "Who's Still Standing?" on NBC. Happy Monday!