Friday Facts

Singer Beyonce silenced critics of her performance at President Obama's inaguaration by singing "The Star Spangled Banner" a cappella at a pre-Superbowl press conference in New Orleans. She said in response to the criticism that due to the weather, no proper sound check and no time to rehearse with the band, she decided to lip synch to a prerecorded track. She went to add that she is a perfectionist and will practice until her feet bleed. She also has an HBO documentary, with will air on February 16. The film gives viewers a behind the scenes look at the singer's life and career. She opens up for the first time about a miscarriage she suffered before having daughter Blue Ivey. The film is a must see for fans. Alicia Keys and Maroon 5 have been added to the list of performers for the upcoming Grammy telecast. The show will also pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston. A one honor show will air before the Grammys titled "A Death In The Family". Rapper Game has started an online G-Unit reunion petition. He posted a status to his Facebook page with a caption that read "Is a G-Unit reunion going to happen? It depends on how many signatures we get." along with a link to the petition. He and his manage have reportedly been working on setting the G-Unit reunion wheels in motion, the problem is 50 Cent recently stated that he didn't know if it would happen. We'll have to wait and see. Rapper Mac Miller is being sued by mogul Donald Trump. He's being sued over the song "Donald Trump" for illegally using the tycoons name. Trump took to Twitter to let his feelings on the matter be known, despite praising the rapper for the same song on YouTube. The Donald, as he's called, went into a rant about his name being used in the song. Meanwhile, Mac Miller has yet to respond to Trump's comments. In theaters this weekend: "Bullet To The Head", "Stand Up Guys" and "Warm Bodies". On the tube: "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, "Undercover Boss" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and '44th Annual NAACP Image Awards Live" on NBC. Make it a weekend!!

Thursday Dish

More details have emerged regarding the Rick Ross drive-by shooting. A tape has been released with the voice of a witness to the shooting calling for help. Ross was leaving a local restaurant at the time of the shooting. No suspect has been found at this time. As if her Instagram account isn't proof enough, singer Rihanna stated during a recent interview that she and Chris Brown are indeed back together. She says their relationship has changed and they don't have the kind of arguments they used to. She added that if she's made a mistake, it's her mistake. Lil Wayne fans will be happy to know that his next release "I'm Not A Human Being 2" will hit stores in March. Meanwhile, it's unclear when his next studio album will hit store shelves, rapper 50 Cent has inked a deal with Fox for his own cartoon series. The series, to reportedly be written by Carl Jones, will be based loosely on the rapper's childhood. It will be his second film. In 2005, he starred in "Get Rich Or Die Tryin", in which he made his acting debut in the lead role. He also has roles in "Frozen Ground" and "The Tomb" coming. Snoop Dogg fans will be happy to know that the documentary, "Reincarnated", which documents his transformation from rapper to reggae singer, will hit theaters on March 15. Although he's been hit with criticism from some Rastafarians claiming he's exploiting the religion, he's received blessings from Rohan Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley. The film should do well among fans. Rapper Jay Z has signed producer Timbaland to his Roc Nation. While the details of the deal haven't been reported, the two have collaborated on many hit singles, including "Big Pimpin", ""Dirt Off My Shoulder" and "Off That". Singer Alicia Keys has been named Global Creative Director for Blackberry. The company made the announcement with Keys present. She will assist with promoting the product's advanced capabilities and will also be working within the Blackberry team, from app developers to retailers to bring attention to the ways in which their multi-functional operating system can be used. Maybe the lady will be able to bring Blackberry back to the forefront of high-tech gadgets. Fans will be sad to know that the hit series "30 Rock" ends it's run tonight. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "30 Rock" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Singer Chris Brown has shut himself down from social media. He switched his Instagram account to private and thanked fans for supporting his music and art. In addition to being a singer/dancer, Brown is also an artist who has many drawings to his credit. He also posted a photo of himself with a cast around his right wrist, which disputes earlier claims that he didn't start the fight with Frank Ocean. Rapper Rick Ross has hired additional armed security after the drive-by shooting that occurred on Monday. Former drug king-pin Freeway Ricky Ross said that he thinks the shooting happened because Ross doesn't understand the code of the street. Rapper Pusha T weighed in on the incident as well by saying sometimes when you get into rap it's difficult to leave your core. He added that he called the Maybach Music boss to make certain he was okay.  Singer Rihanna is getting set to launch a new fragrance. Singer Beyonce is continuing her comeback by launching a fragrance as well. No word on when both fragrances will hit stores. "Real Housewives Of Atlanta" star NeNe Leakes may reportedly get a wedding spin off soon. While there's no word on when the series will air, Cynthia Bailey will reportedly be her bridesmaid. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, a man by the name of Curley Dean Holden has been charged with the murder of Justin Mitchell, a.k.a. Yung Teddy. The 23-year-old rapper was found shot dead in his apartment earlier this month after receiving a string of threatening text messages just hours before his death, he even tweeted about the eerie  messages he was receiving. Holden is a convicted felon who also goes by the name Willie Danyel Hunt. After being on the run for some time, Cobb County jail records show that Holden was placed under arrest on  January 23 for "terroristic threats" for a hostile incident that occurred at a barbecue. Then, on Friday, while in jail, he was charged with murder and three counts of assault in Mitchells death. Holden has been in prison twice and was released in August after serving eighteen months following a conviction on drug charges and making false statements, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Yachari Kiyana Miller, also a Cobb County resident, was arrested only days after Teddy's murder for allegedly sending the threatening text messages. Miller was released after posting  a $4,620 bond. Be sure to catch TV One's Unsung, which will feature 80's fund band Midnight Star. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "Superbowl's Greatest Commercials 2013" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "Whitney" on NBC. Happy  hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Singer Frank Ocean has apparently already spoken to the police regarding his brawl with Chris Brown, now Brown is ready to tell his side of the story. According to TMZ, Brown's lawyer Mark Geragos has reached out to police and stated his client is willing to talk about the fight. A source close to the case told the web site, which broke the story, that the singer is confident he did nothing wrong during the brawl at Westlake Studios. Geragos is confident that video surveillance of the studio will back up his clients story. Contrary to rumors that Brown threw the first punch, the surveillance footage does not show either Brown nor Ocean involved in the melee. Punches were thrown by members of the singers entourages. Still, police want to here what happened in the parking lot, where the fight started, and where there was no surveillance footage available. Brown fled the seen under the instructions of his lawyer to get out of dodge when he sees trouble brewing. Rapper 50 Cent recently posted a picture of Rick Ross' Rose Royce in Instagram. Ross' vehicle was shot at 20 times, although no one was hurt. Ross cancelled two shows in North Carolina some time back due to threats against him by gang members. One year after her untimely death, Cissy Houston, mother of singer Whitney Houston has conducted several interviews promoting her new book. She stated she didn't like granddaughter Bobbi Kristinas reality series and that she has no problem with Bobby Brown. During an interview on "Oprah's Next Chapter", her son admitted that he was the one who got Whitney hooked on cocaine. No word on when the interview will air.  After rumors of a Destiny's Child reunion at this weekends Superbowl surfaced, group member Michelle Williams revealed during an interview with station WRUG that there will be no reunion. She stated she's doing the musical "Fela!". This does come as shocking news, considering a set list was released, and the recent release of their single "Nuclear" from their album, "Love Songs", which was released today. Fans will surely be disappointed by the news. The group hasn't performed together since the 2006 NBA All-Star game, where they sang "The Star Spangled Banner". It looks like Abeyance will take the stage as a one woman act, as usual. However, the contents of her performance are under much speculation, as it was rumored he set would include new material. Since no new Beyonce material has been released, could this be a rumor too? At any rate, after Beyonce's inauguration performance, and the lip syncing controversy, everyone will be watching to see if she'll do just that. Atlanta rapper Future has just amicably reached a settlement in a child support case in which a DNA test proved that he fathered a 10-year-old boy. According to TMZ, a Georgia judge signed off on the case after test results confirmed he fathered a child with an Atlanta woman named Jessica Smith in 2001. He has agreed to pay $1,662 a month in child support. He'll also foot the bill for the DNA test. He's been in the news recently for a rumored romance with singer Ciara. On DVD: "Best Of Warner Bros Collection", "Paranormal Activity 4", "Hotel Transylvania" and "Die Hard 25th Anniversary Collection". On the tube: "Raising Hope" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "The Taste" on ABC and "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The film "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" topped the weekend box office, earning over $19 million. "Mama", "Silver Linings Playbook", "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Parker" round out the top five films of the week. Singer Chris Brown was leaving a Los Angeles recording studio when he was reportedly blocked from leaving by singer Frank Ocean's entourage. Ocean reportedly told Brown "this is my studio an my parking spot" Brown attempted to calm the situation by shaking Ocean's hand before being attacked by his handlers. This doesn't look good as Brown is still on probation. It remains to be seen what charges, if any, will be filed. Ocean, meanwhile, tweeted picture of his broken hand.  Actor/comedian Katt Williams is off the hook. A judge as dismissed child endangerment charges against the star stemming from an incident a while back where police found guns and marijuana in his home. The children were placed in protective custody. Since the guns were locked away, no charges were filed against Williams. Fans looking forward to a G-Unit reunion will be disappointed. G-Unit general 50 recently stated that a reunion won't happen because he's given all he has to Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks. Singer Tina Turner is saying goodbye to America for good. According to website TMZ, the iconic singer has decided to renounce her American citizenship and move to Switzerland, where she's been living since the mid-90s. Turner said in a statement that she's very happy there and can't imagine a better place to live. According to a local Swiss paper, a local council has already granted Turner their approval for her citizenship. She's now waiting for state and federal authorities to make it official. Turner's rep told the paper that she wanted to "clarify her situation". Coachella, the biggest music festival in the country, has announced its 2013 lineup, and it's heavily rap represented. The Friday shows, April 12 and 19, will feature Earl Sweatshirt, Jurassic 5, Aesop Rock, and will be headlined by The Stone Roses and Blur. The Saturday shows, April 14 and 21, will feature 2 Chainz, Danny Brown, El-P, Pusha T, Theophilus London and Action Brunson, and will be headlined by French rock band Phoenix. The Sunday shows, April 14 and 21, will feature Wu Tang Clan, and will be headlined by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Should be a treat for fans. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelor" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

More Beyonce news. As mentioned previously, the singer is set to perform at the Superbowl. It's been reported that one of the songs she will do is "Crazy In Love", although no one has stated that husband Jay Z will appear with her. After her solo segment, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams will join her on stage to perform a medley of Destiny's Child hits. It should be an exciting show for viewers and those who will be attending the event in person as well. Rapper Chief Keef recently posted a photo of he and his family on Instagram and it was  a not so nice one. He was once banned from the site after posting a sexually explicit photo. Singer Brandy will perform at the 11th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase in Atlanta GA. Eight competing bands for HBCUs will battle it out at the Georgia Dome to highlight the showmanship of HBCU marching bands. Honda Battle of the Bands is the only national music scholarship program that supports HBCU music education programs. The singer has more than performing at that event on her plate. She's engaged and has a hot new album on the charts. There's no word on a wedding date and whether she'll tour to support her album, however. Singer Keri Hilson recently put rumors of a beef with Beyonce to rest. During an interview with HipHollywood, Ms Keri Baby responded to the rumors, which began in 2008 over lyrics to her single "Turnin Me On". Hilson stated she has no beef with Beyonce or any other female artist. She added that it's interesting that we live in a gullible world. Anything said or printed is interpreted as true. She went on to say that she's human and the rumors are hurtful. Rapper Chief Keef may be sending 60 days in juvie, but he has a huge pay day to look forward to when he's released. The details of his deal with Interscope Records have been released and it's worth an eye-popping $6 million. According to DNAinfo, the terms of his recording contract were made public in a Cook County chancery court filing that seeks a judge's approval for the deal, which is legally require because the rapper, at 17, is still a minor. According to court papers, the deal covers three albums, a greatest hits compilation and a separate deal for Keef's own label. He'll also receive an advance from the label as well. After a string of legal problems this news is the one bright spot in the rapper's life. In theaters this weekend: "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters", "Movie 43" and "Parker". On the tube: "Kitchen Nightmares" on Fox, "Undercover Boss" on CBS, "Last Man Standing" on ABC and "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Yet  more fall out from the Beyonce lip syncing controversy. A Marine rep stated the star did lip sync "The Star Bangled Banner" at President Barack Obama's inauguration. Now, another Marine rep says they don't know why the person said that because they weren't there and wouldn't know for certain. There's been a media firestorm since the story broke and only time will tell where things will go from here. Meanwhile, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has come to Beyonces defense saying she thinks the pop star did  a wonderful job with her rendition. It looks like not everyone is impressed with rapper Snoop Doggs transformation from Snoop Dogg to Snoop Lion. Some in the Rastafarian culture believe the rapper is a fraud and using the culture and religion to promote his new documentary and album. So far, the rapper hasn't addressed the allegations. We'll wait and see what transpires from this point.  Fans who saw last night's episode of "American Idol" now know that it showed the now infamous fight between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, although the part where Minaj reportedly threatened to shoot Carey wasn't aired. This has to make one wonder how things will play out for the remainder of the season, as Carey did seem to annoy Minaj. More drama is sure to erupt as the season wears on, so fans should definitely tune in. A recent trip to the studio turned into a harrowing experience for singer/songwriter Bobby V. According to the Associated Press, the singer was the victim of a carjacking outside Hot Beats Recording Studio. Two assailants forced him to give up his 2013 Bentley at gunpoint, which he did without a fight. He later took to Twitter to talk about the experience saying God saved him and he encouraged everyone to do whatever they wish and be thankful for what they have. Fortunately, Atlanta police apprehended one of the suspects after witnesses identified him. The luxury vehicle was recovered by an off-duty lieutenant who heard about the robbery over the police radio. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Last Resort" on ABC and "30 Rock" on NBC. Happy Thursday!