Wednesday Roundup

An LA district attorney wants to know just how much community service hours singer Chris Brown has logged. He asked to see records showing the amount of time logged by Brown during a hearing yesterday. Although Brown was not present, the judge insisted that Brown show up for the next hearing. In the meantime, Brown's new album, which was released last week, will likely hit number one on the charts. It looks like Kris Humphries is not the father of a girlfriend's baby. That's because the woman in question was never pregnant. She posted a picture of herself on Twitter posing in a a bikini top and shorts with a caption that read that she's just curvy. Singer Rihanna's grandmother was laid to rest yesterday. The singer took the death hard, as is to be expected. She posted a picture of herself apparently drinking with a caption that read "sorry Gran Gran, I had to do it". Singer Fantasia squashed rumors she's pregnant. The rumors began after she tweeted a picture of herself holding her belly. She responded to rumors by saying that she's not pregnant, she's not being cheated on, and she cries because she gives God praise. She added that the only thing fans have to look forward to from her is an epic album. Enough said. Representatives for Frank Ocean are now saying that the release of his new album, as well as his recent appearance on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" was planned for some time, and that it was a way to keep the momentum going after his well publicized letter regarding a relationship with another man. Coming out certainly didn't hurt Ocean one bit, in fact, it was a good thing. The surviving members of the legendary hip hop group Run-DMC will reunite for the Fun, Fun, Fun Fest in Austin. It will be the first time the group has performed together since the death of Jam Master Jay.  Mixtape rappers beware. The old-school beats you've been freestyling over may not be free after all. According to Courthouse News, legendary MC/producer Lord Finesse has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller for using one of his old-school instrumentals without permission. Finesse is seeking compensation from the rapper for his single and video "Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza", which used the beat from Finesse's 1995 hit "Hip 2 Da Game". Rostrum Records and online mixtape clearinghouse DatPiff.com were also named in the suit. Both parties took to Twitter to explain their side of the story, although it's unclear when the matter will be resolved. The lawsuit is surely going to be watched closely by the hip hop industry. Rappers have long used unauthorized instrumentals and free online releases. If Miller is forced to make a big payout, that practice will become much more expensive, and several other beatmakers may  look to file suits as well. Hip to the game indeed. The competition continues on "So You Think You Can Dance" as contestants vie for the grand prize. "America's Got Talent" continues as well. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "Dogs In The City" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Former B2K member Raz B. had a freakish accident while overseas for a tour. He slipped and ran into a glass door, which sliced his wrist. He passed out before someone in the room at the time called an ambulance. He was operated on for four hours. Needless to say, the remainder of his tour has been cancelled until further notice. In what has been a rough few weeks that included tangling with city officials and negative press to boot, the Manhattan nightclub that played host to the infamous brawl between Drake and Chris Brown entourages has reopened, with a few restrictions. In a brawl that saw several patrons, including NBA star Tony Parker injured, club owners have promised to check bags and serve drinks in plastic cups. The matter was placed before the Supreme Court, with Justice Geoffrey Wright ruling that the club could reopen. Wright stated that it would be unfair to make the establishment go out of business before the legal process has ran it's course. Club owners have promised to focus on "providing a fun and safe environment for our customers". Just because they've won the battle with city officials doesn't mean club owners are out of the woods. Parker, whose career was threaten by a lacerated cornea, has filed a $20 million dollar suit against the club. Several other patrons who were injured have also lawyered up and are pursuing legal action. Frank Ocean will appear on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon". It will be his first appearance since revealing he had a relationship with another man. His new release hits stores this week as well. The competition continues on "America's Got Talent". On DVD: "Comic-Con: Episode 4: A Fan's Hope", "Chariots Of Fire", "American Reunion" and "Flowers Of War". Frank Ocean has new music in stores this week. On the tube: "2012 MLB All Star Game" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

Marvel wins again. "The Amazing Spider Man" topped the weekend box office, earning over $60 million dollars. "Ted", "Brave", "Savages" and "Magic Mike" round out the top five films of the week. Sad news. R&B singer Usher's stepson has been declared brain dead after being hit with a jet ski. The boy was coning in an Atlanta lake at the time of the accident. He was rushed to a hospital, where Usher waited. Police stated that they are unsure if any charges will be filed against the driver of the jet ski and added that alochol was a factor. More sad news. Actor Ernest Borgnine, known for his roles in such films as "Rocky" and more recently "Sponge Bob",  has died. He was 95. May he rest in peace. Rapper Kanye West wasn't shy about professing his love for Kim Kardashian during a recent concert in Atlantic City. While performing his single "Way Too Cold", the rapper pointed to where Kardashian sat with a friend as he resited the verse discussing his feelings for her. Kardashian then hugged her friend then herself. So sweet. Everyone who's anyone attended the Radio One Fest in Miami. Actress Gabrielle Union tweeted a photo of herself with Savannah Brinson, lady love of NBA star Labron James, and others as they enjoyed the festivities. T.I., Rick Ross, and many others performed at the annual event. Odd Future member Frank Ocean will appear on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon". It will be his first television appearance since coming out of the closet. Rapper 50 Cent recently apologized after an insensitive remark he made regarding autistic people on Twitter caused an uproar. The G-Unit general put his foot in his mouth in reaction to an angry fan who taunted him about releasing his new free album "5 (Murder By Numbers)". Fif responded after the fans wrote with some not so kind words about the album. Of course, Fif responded. According to the Hollywood Reporter, parents and advocates of austistic children were outraged by the remarks. In response to Fif's comments, actress Holly Robinson Peete, who's son has autism, wrote an open letter to the rapper and mogul. Fif later deleted the comments and issued a rare apology. This isn't the first time he's gotten himself into trouble over brash comments made on the social network. Last year he earned condemnation for comments he made regarding the tsunami in Japan. He released his fifth album "5 (Murder By Numbers)" for free on the internet Friday after well publicized difficulties with his label. Rapper Lil Scrappy is coming out in support of Frank Ocean after the R&B singer went public with details regarding his relationship with a man. Scrappy has also courted controversy with a statement that linked all homosexuals to AIDS. When pressed further about his statement, Scrappy back peddled saying it's a door way. Scientifically. He went on to add that anyone who doesn't stand up is a coward. On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachlorette" on ABC and "Fear Factor" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

More details have been revealed regarding the shooting of former Three 6 Mafia member Crunchy Black. Black was shot in the face and leg in Las Vegas over the weekend. Now, the case is being investigated as an attempted murder by authorities. So far, there are no motives or suspects in the case. A former girlfriend of NBA star Kris Humphries is reportedly expecting. This presents a problem for Humphries in his divorce settlement with soon to be ex-wife Kim Kardashian, since Humphries claims he was devastated by the breakup. Singer Rihanna is taking names and numbers to court. She's suing her former accountants for millions claiming the accounts mismanaged her money for a five year period from 2005-2010. No word on a court date. Rapper 50 Cent has released his new mixtape today to keep fans happy until the release of his album in November. The mixtape is available online only, however.  For those interested, the rapper tuned 37 today. The Essence Music Festival is underway in New Orleans where Mary J. Blige and others will take the stage during the event. Drake and Rihanna will head across the pond for an appearance at the UK Wireless event. Nicki Minaj and others will be in attendance as well. Fans will be happy to know that rapper Kanye West is working on his sixth solo effort. During an interview with MTV News, producer No I.D.  stated the album will be released after "Cruel Summer", a G.O.O.D. Music group effort. He went on to add that fans can expect what they've come to expect from West, and the unexpected as well. The mentally ill Queens man who broke into Sean "Diddy" Combs East Hampton mansion in April plead guilty to criminal trespassing yesterday and was released with time served. According to the Washington Post, Quamine T. Taylor accepted a plea deal in a Long Island court room and was sentenced to 120 days in jail for spending a day in the multi-million dollar manor, consuming Diddy's food and drinks, and wearing expensive clothes. Taylor has been in Suffolk County jail since his arrest on April 1 and was ordered to say away from the music mogul. So far, no comment from Combs. In theaters this weekend: "The Amazing Spider Man", "Katy Perry: Part Of Me" and "Savages". On the tube: "House" on Fox, "Undercover Boss" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "Whitney" on NBC. Make it a weekend! 

Thursday Dish

Odd Future member Frank Ocean took the opportunity to declare his sexual independence on Independence Day. He took to his Tumblr account to recount how a relationship with another man changed his life. He added that the two saw each other during summers, and were together everyday. He's received support from others in the music industry, namely fellow Odd Future member Tyler, The Creator and Russell Simmons. Now he can go on living his life as he sees fit. In the meantime, Odd Future's next release will hit stores on July 17.  Just when it looked like rapper 50 Cent was going to release a new album, he releases what he's calling an "appetizer" for fans. As most know, he's had label issues, and now it looks like his album won't be released until November. In the meantime, the Maybach Music compilation CD entered the Billboard charts at #4 while R Kelly's latest release, "Write Me Back", has landed at #4. A recent shooting outside a Houston strip club which left three people dead and two injured, including rapper Trae Tha Truth, has lead to the arrest of a 25-year-old man. According to KHOU.com, Feanyichi Uvukansi turned himself into police on July 4 for questioning in the shooting which occurred on June 20. Police arrested Uvukansi and charged him with capital murder in the deaths of Coy  "Poppa C" Thompson, Erica Rochelle Dotson and Carlos Durell Dorsey. Investigators believe the shooting was the result of a beef involving Poppa C, who was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute on June 17. The 23-year-old rapper was an associate of Trae Tha Truth's ABN crew. As mentioned previously, more than 20 shots were fired outside the gentlemen's club Diamonds Gentlemen's Club as patrons were leaving the establishment. The Grand Hustle signee has been released from the hospital and is recovering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. It appears that the father of Fantasia's son is cheating on her, not with his ex-wife, but with Kendra from "Bad Girls Club". The singer broke down during a recent concert where after getting herself together she told the crowd "the only person who will never leave you is Jesus". Here's hoping the matter is resolved soon. Actress Nia Long graces the cover of the latest issue of Essence magazine. The star discusses her career, raising her two sons, and what's next for her. The latest issue of Essence magazine is on newsstands now.  The show "Duets" continues as the regulars sing with industry hopefuls. On the tube: "Take Me Out" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Duets" on ABC and "The Office" on NBC. Happy  Thursday!

Tuesday Tales

Rapper Crunchy Black, formerly of the group Three Six Mafia, was shot in the face during an altercation. Details are sketchy at this time, and authorities are investigating. Rapper 50 Cent is now saying that more damage was done to the mat truck during his recent accident than his SUV. He added that he travels  in a bullet proof vehicle, similar to the one the president travels in. He denied rumors that the accident was a publicity stunt used to promote his new album as well.  Representatives for singer Chris Brown are now saying his latest album,  "Fortune", which hits stores today, will not be his last, as Brown told the crowd when accepting an award at the BET Awards on Sunday. They say the singer simply misspoke. R&B star Usher's ex-wife Tameka Foster is currently looking to use his stalker case in their on-going custody battle. She wants to use the information to prove that she and their children aren't safe with Usher. For those unaware, a woman showed up to Usher's home announced on several occasions claiming she's married to him, and that he promised to help with her singing career. Usher has filed a restraining order against the woman. Katie Holmes won't receive a cent in her divorce settlement with Tom Cruise. The two have an iron clad prenuptial agreement. The news of the pending divorce has kicked the media in overdrive as some speculate what happened. At any rate, best wishes to both, and let's hope the best interest of their child is put before anything else. Iconic soul singer Bobby Womack, who returned in June with his first album in a decade, "The Bravest Man In The Universe", discussed during an interview with the Associated Press his recent health issues and getting back out on the road. Womack says he's gone through a great deal in the last two months. Two cancer diagnoses, along with a bout with pneumonia. He added that his doctors advised him to take it easy for 10 days. It added that he wants to represent singers who came up with him and are no longer living. If everything pans out, the singer will head out on the road to promote "The Bravest Man In The Universe". Sad news out of Hollywood. Actor Andy Griffith, the man who played sheriff Andy Taylor on "The Andy Griffith Show" has died. He was 86. He also starred on the hit show "Matlock" for several seasons. He's left a legacy that will live on. May he rest in peace. Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa's film hits DVD today. On DVD: "Barbarella", "The Hunter", "God Bless America" and "2 Days In New York". Chris Brown and 50 Cent have new music in stores this week. On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, ""NCIS" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "Ted" topped the weekend box office, earning over $50 million dollars. "Magic Mike", "Brave", "Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection" and "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" round out the top five films of the week. The BET Awards aired last night, and it was more like the bleep awards as censors worked overtime to catch the vulgarities, while missing a few along the way. Jay Z and Kanye West won best video for "Otis". When Kanye West beat out Hova's wife Beyonce for an honor, Jay Z playfully interupted him, recalling the infamous Taylor Swift incident of a few years back. The highlight of the evening was a tribute to Whitney Houston featuing Brandy, Monica and Houston's mother Cissy. Houston's brother Gary also performed as well. Chris Brown told fans during his acceptance speach that his upcoming album will be his last. Meanwhile, he's taken the beef with Drake to the next level by releasing a diss track aimed at the MC called "I Don't Like". DeAngelo performed also and showed no rust, despite not appearing on stage in tweleve years. Welcome back. In other BET Awards news, Kanye West current love Kim Kardashian did attend the event, and got a little camera time, despite not sitting beside Beyonce.   Condolences to singer Rihanna who's mourning the death of her grandmother. Ex-boyfriend Chris Brown and his mother have sent condolences to the singer. Lauryn Hill will face jail time and thousands of dollars in fines when she's sentenced for tax evasion. She failed to paid taxes on income totalling 1.8 million. She will be sentenced in November. Rapper Rick Ross has been vindicated in a child support case. A paternity test has proven that the Maybach Music CEO did not father a child with a Florida woman. The woman in question, Tyrisha Childers, claimed Ross fathered her child and refused to accept responsibility. According to TMZ, a paternity tested proved Ross is indeed not the father of the child. Childers has dropped her case. If you think rapper/actor Ice Cube is a fan of reality television, you'd be wrong. In an interview with blogger Gyant, the veteran rapper stated that the shows are scripted, the situations put together, and that the networks are looking for conflict. Without conflict, nobody's watching. He added that Blacks shouldn't be concerned about a few shows depicting them one way, because they've shown they're everything. He's been on the road promoting Coors Light Search For The Coldest MC, of which he is the host in addition to judging the event along with DJ Drama and DJ Khaled. The semifinals were held in Atlanta and featured a performance by 2 Chainz. "America's Got Talent" continues it's competition and it's anyone's guest who will walk away with the grand prize. On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, ""The Bachlorette" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Monday!