Friday Facts

Rapper Snoop Dogg has never hidden his love of cannabis, no matter how much it gets him into trouble. His latest incident involves the veteran MC denying that he was late for a recent oncert because he stopped for food. He was actually detained for having about 8 grams on marijuana on him. He paid a fine and was later released. Singer Usher has filed a keep away order against a woman who has been stalking him. The woman showed up at his home unannounced, and stated she's married to the R&B star. Fortunately, no one was harmed and this will be the end of the drama. Singer Lauryn Hill will appear in court today on tax ivasion charges. The singer has failed to pay taxes on earned income from 2005-2007. If convicted, she could face a fine and a year in jail. First Lady of Young Money, Nicki Minaj, is finally speaking out about the Chris Brown/Drake brawl that ocurred two weeks ago. During an interview, the MC stated she spoke to Drake and told him that she doesn't approve of talented people doing things that are not conducive to an amazing career. Minaj went on to say that she doesn't believe Drake did anything wrong, and that rumors are rumors. At any rate, let's hope there are no more incidents like the one of a few weeks ago. She also spoke on the Hot 97 controversy of a few weeks ago by saying that she felt she was the victim of a double standard. She'll be touring across the country with 2 Chainz and the two will reportedly do a song together. Chicago MC Chief Keef reached a major milestone when he announced that he'd signed a deal with Interscope Records. It appears that not eveyone is breaking out the champagne. In a scathing blog, fellow Chicago native Rhymefest denounced his fellow MC's music as promoting senseless violence and also condemed the record labels and radio stations for promoting him. He went on to argue that instead of promoting Keef and his ilk,  more attention should be paid to artist who do good, including Killer Mike, Lupe Fiasco, Brother Ali, and himself. So far, no comment from Keef. Be sure to catch the BET Awards this Sunday. Actor Samuel L. Jackson will host the event. In theaters this weekend: "Magic Mike", "Moon Rise Kingdom" and "People Like Us", "Ted" and "Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection". On the tube: "House" on Fox, "Undercover Boss" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "U.S. Olympic Trials" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Singer R Kelly has cancelled his tour due to a medical emergency. He's suffering from complications from surgery he had on his vocal cords a while back. He also cancelled an appearance on "The Today Show" and "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" as well. Kelly's representatives say they don't know when he'll be back out on the road again. Singer Rihanna escaped a London hotel fire recently. She tweeted a picture of herself in the back of a cab saying that she'd been roaming the streets for some time. No reports of any injuries. Tamar Braxton and R Kelly protege K Michelle have begun a Twitter beef of sorts. K Michelle reportedly threw the first punch by saying that Tamar should fall back. And the battle continues. Everyone needs to grow up. It looks like Oprah Winfrey is really is keep up with the Kardashians. After interviewing the clan on "Oprah's Next Chapter", the clan will have the media mogul on their show. She won't be interviewing them, they'll tape her interviewing them. Singer Mary J. Blige is finally speaking out about the controversial Burger King ad of two months ago. During an interview with Hot 97 host Angie Martinez, Blige stated she did what she thought would be a great branding opportunity. She went on to say that she looked for a remix she did with Fat Joe and got more than she bargined for when she saw Burger King, chicken and buffoonery. She went on to say that she'd never do anything to disrespect Black culture. She also took the opportunity to shoot down rumors that she was paid $2 million dollars for the ad. She says it wasn't a money thing, but it was about a branding opportunity. As the summer movie and television season rolls on, it will be interesting to see what networks and studios do to get viewers to tune in and bodies in theaters. One film to look out for is Tyler Perry's "Medea's Witness Protection". It's another hilarious adventure with the sharp witted grandmother. "Medea's Witness Protection" hits theaters tomorrow. As for the television season, as mentioned previously, the networks are currently airing trailors for their new shows, although it's too early to tell which shows will be a hit with audiences. Fox has "Ben & Kate" and ABC has "Nashville", among others. They look interesting enough, but as I said viewers will make the final verdict. In the meantime, the summer television is in full swing and viewers should check out "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance" for sure. On the tube: 'Take Me Out" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, ""Duets" on ABC and "U.S. Olympic Trials" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

A boxing promoter is looking to capitalize on the recent Chris Brown/Drake brawl. He's offering the two one million dollars each to participate in a boxing match, with proceeds going to help abused women. So far, no response from either. Rapper 50 Cent is recovering from back and neck injuiries suffered in a car accident. As mentioned previously, a mat truck rear-ended his SUV. The G-Unit general has been released from the hospital, and his representatives say he's doing well. A photographer was taught that no means no when it comes to Rihanna. As the gentleman attempted to take a picture of the star, he was reportedly slapped by her bodyguard. So far, no word on any charges being pressed. Grammy Award winning singer Alicia Keys is on the verge of releasing a new album soon. The singer posted a video message to fans updating them on the album's status and added that she's entered a new phase of her life. While she didn't give away the title of her new album, which will be her fifth, she did tweet #AKNew Day, leading some to speculate that the album will be called New Day. Fans should have more great music to look forward to. Teen sensation Justin Bieber continues his reign on the charts. His sophomore album, "Believe", which hit stores on June 19, sold 374,000 copies it's first week, marking it Justin's biggest chart debut yet. The album edged out Madonna's MDNA for top honors on Billboard this year, besting Madge's 359,000 debut in March. The album is lead by the singles "Boyfriend" and "As Long As You Love Me" featuring Big Sean. He may have some serious competition though. Chris Brown's new album, "Fortune", is due in stores next week. "America's Got Talent" continues tonight as contestants via for the grand prize. Although summer has just begun, the major networks have all begun giving viewers sneak peeks at their fall line ups. While it too early to tell which shows will be hits, some do appear to be worth watching. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "Dogs In The City" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "U.S. Olympic Trials" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Rapper 50 Cent was involved in a serious car accident. His car flipped over when it was  hit by a truck. Both 50 and a passenger were taken to a hospital for treatment. More as this story develops. Soulja Boy now says he was driving the car during his recent accident. He also says he didn't hit the pregnant woman, she hit him and is trying to get paid. It looks like Beyonce may have changed her mind about Kim Kardashian. Pictures of the two together have surfaced, and they were also seen singing and dancing at a Jay Z/Kanye West show recently. Meanwhile, a friend of Kris Humphries says Humphries never confided anything in her regarding his relationship with Kim. Three years after the death of one of  his most famous patients, Dr Conrad Murray still maintains his innocence. He also adds that he should have testified in his own defense at  his trial. The John Travolta saga continues. Yet another male masseuse has come forward claiming that the actor behaved inappropriately in his presence. He says when Travolta asked for a neck massage, and he obliged, Travolta then removed his towel exposing his erect penis. No word on a court date. After years of denying any involvement in the 1994 shooting and robbery of Tupac Shakur, hip hop mogul Jimmy "Henchman" Roseman has now reportedly reversed himself and admitted his involvement in the assault. Roseman associate Dexter Issac admitted that Roseman paid him $2,5000 to rob Shakur inside Quad Studios. Roseman is currently awaiting sentencing on federal drug trafficking charges. Last week he was indicted on a separate charge that he ordered the fatal shooting of 50 Cent associate Lowell "Lodi Mack" Fletcher in 2009. In addition to starring on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", veteran rapper Ice T. has begun working behind the camera with the release of his documentary "From Nothing To Something". The documentary focuses on the creation of hip hop and where the genre is headed. Kanye West, Q-Tip and many more appear in the film. It's well worth watching. The competition continues on "America's Got Talent" as contestants continue to via for the grand prize. It's anyone's guest who will win. Tune in. The U.S. Olympic Trials continue as well. It will be interesting to see who gets the opportunity to represent the U.S in the summer games. R. Kelly and DMX have new music in stores this week. On DVD: "21 Jump Street", "Wrath Of The Titans", "The Artist" and "Mirror Mirror". On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, ""Last Man Standing" on ABC and "U.S. Olympic Trials" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

Walt Disney is at the top again. The animated Disney film "Brave" topped the weekend box office, earning over $60 million dollars. "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted", "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter", "Prometheus" and ""Snow White & The Huntsman" round out the top five films of the week. Rapper Soulja Boy was in a car accident in Los Angeles. The other driver was pregnant and taken to the hospital where she was treated for injuries. Her husband says Soulja Boy was driving the car, while Soulja Boy's representatives say he wasn't. Police are investigating the accident. As mentioned previously, former "Basketball Wives" star Jennifer Williams had her Bentley repossessed, and it was rumored that she hadn't been making payments. Now, it's been revealed that Jennifer's ex hadn't been making the  payments. Kris Humphries allegedly confided in a girlfriend that ex-wife Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West hooked up before their nuptials. As the divorce battle between the two continues, it's anyone's guest what will be revealed next. The show must go on. Actress Halle Berry is determined to move to France with her daughter, even though it's not clear whether it will be allowed. She's also not allowing the drama between her and the child's father stop her from planning her wedding. Fans who have been waiting to see Maxwell in concert will have to wait awhile. The singer posted an announcement on his web site stating that he's cancelled an upcoming tour. Doctors have ordered him to rest his voice due to vocal cord problems. Rapper Rick Ross will appear on the cover of the July/August issue of XXL magazine. The Maybach Music head opens up about his health, and balancing life as a label head and rap star. The issue also includes an article written by Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz. Meanwhile, Ross and the rest of the Maybach Music crew, including Meek Mill, Wale, Omarion will all take the stage at the BET Awards. The BET Awards will air on July1. Fans can pick up the July/August issue of XXL on July 14. As mentioned previously, all four members of the R&B group 112 have reunited for a tour. The tour began with a concert at the House Of Blues in Atlantic City. Despite being back on stage together for the first time in six years, the group showed no rust, as they went through their hits. They looked and sounded amazing and fans are in for sheer delight as the tour progresses. Welcome back guys! On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, ""How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Bachelorette" on ABC and "U.S. Olympic Trials" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

After taking the stage for the first time in twelve years, singer DeAngelo is set to take the stage again at the BET Awards. He's also slated to perform at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans next month. As mentioned previously, after a great deal of personal drama, the singer is ready to get back to work, and is slated to release a new album soon. It's great to have him back. The industry certainly needs a talent like his. Teen sensation Justin Bieber visited Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club where he discussed his interest in hip hop and his friendship with boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr. Regarding hip hop, he says his parents played hip hop for him, and he enjoys incorporating it into his music. He added that he's been listening to Big Sean. His new album, "Believe", features guest spots by Drake, Big Sean and Nicki Minaj. He's also done a song with Rick Ross. As for the friendship with Mayweather, he says the boxing champ reached out to him and the two hit it off. He even accompanied Mayweather into the ring at his request. Bieber added that although he hasn't spoken to Mayweather since he entered prison, he received a text from him saying that he's proud of him and what he's doing. NBA star Tony Parker can be added to the list of individuals suing over the Drake-Chris Brown brawl. The San Antonio Spurs point guard suffered a laceration to his cornea during the melee. Parker says the proprietors shouldn't have let things get too out of hand. The club in question, W.i.P, has been closed for code violations. Paker's lawyer says the club owners should have known about Drake and Chris Brown's feud over Rihanna and that serving both camps bottle service in an enclosed area was like throwing gasoline on the flames. Parker, meanwhile, is set to play with the French national team in this summer's Olympic but will have to sit out for a week as his eye heals. As if it should come as a surprise to anyone, both 50 Cent and Lil Kim are weighing in on the Chris Brown-Drake brawl. In a recent interview with the LA Leakers, 50 Cent stated he wondered if Brown was sensitive about Drake's relationship with Rihanna. In the meantime, Lil Kim has sided with Brown, calling Drake a coward due to his siding with Nicki Minaj over their own beef. It's time everyone involved start behaving like adults. There's enough room in the industry for everyone to become successful, and there's no need for violence. The second part of Oprah Winfrey's interview with the Kardashians will air this weekend. Khloe Kardashian has even gone as far as to say that Kris Humphries is sick for suggesting that Kris Jenner ordered Kim to make the sex tape with Ray J. Tune in. In theaters this weekend: "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter", "Brave" and "Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World". On the tube: "House" on Fox, "Undercover Boss" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "Whitney" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Actress Halle Berry has been ordered by a judge to pay the father of her child $20,000 a month in child support. This is the end result of a nasty custody battle between the two over their daughter. Berry reportedly wants to move to France with the child and her new beau, but the child's father has let it be known that he's not going to let that happen if he can help it. Here's hoping the two work things out soon for the sake of the child. If the story TMZ recently reported is true, Kris Jenner, mother of Kim Kardashian, is a modern day pimp. The website reports that Kris Humfries confided to a lady love that Jenner not only encouraged Kim to make the infamous sex tape with Ray J, but ordered her to shoot the tape again saying Kim didn't look pretty enough in the first one. There's sure to be more on this story, so stay tuned. Jennifer Williams, of "Basketball Wives" is no longer on the show, and now no longer has her Bentley. After making no payments on the vehicle for three months, it has finally been repossessed. Actress Keisha Knight Pulliam took to Twitter to deny rumors that she's joining the cast of "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta". I'm not certain how the rumor began, but Pulliam definitely squashed it in a hurry. Usher has the number one album in the country, although "Looking For Myself" only moved 125,000 copies. Not to worry. He's sure to receive some of the proceeds from protege Justin Bieber's latest album. After suffering a gunshot wound to the shoulder that sent him to the hospital, Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth is now speaking out about the incident that left him injured and three others dead. He says he's not certain what the altercation was about, but the shooters began running in his direction, which had everyone in the open. Shots were fired, and many were in the wrong place at the wrong time. He added that he's received a lot of support from many in the industry. He received calls from Trey Songz, Rick Ross, and his Grand Hustle boss, T.I. He's a little dismayed, however, by the mainstream media's association of his career as a hip hop artist with the violence. He remains in good spirits while waiting to have the bullet removed from his shoulder. Best wishes. As mentioned previously, Lil Wayne stated in an interview that he's moved on from his beef with Pusha T. Now, it appears that what was thought to be a diss from the G.O.O.D. Music artist may have been an overreaction from the Young Money general. In an interview with Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex, Pusha stated he was surprised by the reaction to "Exodus: 23:1", which he said mentioned no names in particular, and he added that it would be in Wayne's best interest to downplay the beef. Let's hope both do just that. On the tube: "Take Me Out" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "2012 NBA Finals" on ABC and "Justin Bieber: All Around The World" on NBC. Happy Thursday!