Friday Facts

It's official. Randy Jackson is out as a judge on Fox's "American Idol". He'll take on a mentoring role on the show. Meanwhile, according to reports, the Nicki Minaj deal is about 99% done. It's been rumored that Mariah Carey isn't happy with Minaj joining the show, assuming she'd be the only female on the show. Other reports have had either Kanye West or Sean "Diddy" Combs joining the show. Now, it's being reported that neither will join the hit show. The latest rumored candidates for additional judges are country stars Keith Urban and Brad Paisley. There's been no comment from the stars or their representatives. In addition to struggling with health issues, "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts also received the devastating news that her mother died. She announced her departure from the show recently. Now, it's being reported that several guests will fill her slot, including Oprah Winfrey. Some believe this is a controversial move because Winfrey will be going head to head with friend Gayle King, who co-hosts "CBS This Morning". We'll see what happens.  Sad news regarding the late Sherman Hemsley. The actor, who passed away last month, still hasn't been layed to rest. That's due to a battle between his manager and his long lost brother. The actor updated his $50,000 will before his death, and now his brother claims the will is bogus. Stay tuned. Only time will tell where things will go from here. Rapper Chief Keef is the hottest hip hop artist to emerge from Chicago in half a decade, but some of the Windy City's old torch bearers are less than comfortable with the 17-year-old's ascent. During a recent interview, rapper Lupe Fiasco stated he's afraid of the culture the rapper represents. He added he has family and friends in Chicago, and all the recent crime being perpetrated is by those who look like the hip hop new comer. So far, no comment from Chief Keef. Several shows are slated to premiere this fall, and it's anyone's guest which shows will do well and which ones will be cancelled before the end of the season. We'll have to wait and see. In theaters this weekend: "Lawless", "The OogieLoves In The Big Balloon Adventure" and "The Possession". On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "Undercover Boss" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

It looks like rapper/singer Missy Elliott is on her way back. It's been confirmed that she will release two singles this weekend after a long absence. The rapper has had health issues in recent years, and it's great to see her back doing what she does best. Model Amber Rose is set to steal the show at MTV's VMAs. It's been rumored that she and boyfriend Wiz Khalifa are expecting, so she'll reveal her reported baby bump. Wonder how that's going to work out. Reality star Kim Kardashian has finally settled her lawsuit with clothing giant Old Navy. Back in February 2011, she filed the suit claiming the company using a look-a-like model interfered with her publicity rights. The details of the settlement have not been made available. Rapper Jay Z is reportedly not happy about the amount of shares he owns in the Brooklyn Nets being revealed. Rumor has it that he owns a small stake in the team, although he can still make business decisions. R&B star Trey Songz hit the top of the charts with his new album, "Chapter 5", this week. It's his first album to debut at #1. Congratulations! Sad news out of the world of music. Chris Lighty, legendary manager and CEO of Violator Entertainment, has died. He was 44. He began his career in the 1980's by carrying crates for DJ Red Alert. He later landed a job at Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen Rush Management. He later went on the form Violator Entertainment and guide the careers of 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and others. He helped build his massive stable of artist into a branding empire that included commericals, endorsements, as well as video games, fragrance, beverage and clothing lines. The New York Daily News reports that Lighty was found dead at 11:30 am this morning dead of a self-inflicted gun shot wound. No other details are available. "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks is the latest celebrity to show support for rapper Nicki Minaj joining the hit Fox show. Sparks stated during an interview that she believes Minaj would be a great addition to the show. The First Lady of Young Money is rumored to be signing a lucrative deal with the Fox show to judge the new season's contestants. She'll join confirmed judge Mariah Carey and, potentially, country star Keith Urban, who is also reportedly in talks with the producers of the show. Sparks added that she thinks Urban would be a great addition to the show as well. We'll have to wait and see what happens. On the tube: "Raising Hope" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, ""Wipeout" on ABC and "The Office" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey once again topped Forbes magazine's list of highest paid celebrities, having earned over 165 million in 2011-12. While her talk show may be history, her empire rolls along. Film director Steven Spielberg and rapper/producer Dr Dre also made the list. The ladies of "Love &Hip Hop: Atlanta" don't seem to be faring as well. It appears that the cast member who's earned the most is Ms self-sufficient, MiMi. More fallout from the Prince Harry nude photos scandal. Now, eyewitnesses are saying there was cocaine in the hotel room where the Prince stayed. They didn't say the Prince used the drug, they only confirm that it was present, along with alchol as well. We'll have to wait a little longer to hear from Evelyn Lozada regarding the infamous heading-butting incident between she and soon to be ex-husband Chad Johnson. Lozada had agreed to an interview with ABC's Robin Roberts, but Roberts had to back out due to health issues. We'll see what happens. It looks like rapper Beanie Sigel, who was on his way to prison for tax evasion, couldn't wait to get there. The Philadelphia MC was arrested this morning on I-95 in Delaware County after a car he was riding in was pulled over and found to contain illicit drugs and a firearm. Authorities pulled the vehicle, a Ford Fusion, when they noticed it driving erratically. The driver, Gerald Andrews, was found to have several prescription pills and a small amount of marijuana on his person. Sigel, in the passenger seat, was found to be carrying $4,650 in cash, a bottle of codeine syrup with a scratched off label and prescription pills in a plastic bag. Police found the gun in the car's center console. Since both men are convicted felons, it's a felony for either to be in possession of a firearm. Both men were transferred to a holding cell to be processed and arraigned. Sigel is due to begin serving an unrelated two-year prison sentence in September for failure to pay more than $728,000 in taxes since 2009. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "Big Brother" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and 'America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Someone doesn't like Medea much at all.  Fire fighters were called to actor/writer/director Tyler Perry's 8 acre studio complex regarding a fire on the roof top of a building. This is the second fire at the complex in five months. There were no injuries reported and the fire is under investigation. It looks like singer Frank Ocean has yet another supporter in his decision to come out in rapper Snoop Dogg. The West Coast rap icon says he thinks Ocean's recent confession to a relationship with another man is good for hip hop and relieves the homophobia that exists within the culture. Hoops, who it's been rumored has been dating Shaquille Oneal, confirmed during an interview that the two have split. Reportedly, the split was over Olympic champion Gabrielle Douglas, but not exactly. Hoops was so inspired by the 16-year-old's win at the Olympic Games that she decided to try out herself. The only problem, she's too old. She was told by the gym that they only train 18 and under, and upon hearing the news, went on a rampage. She reportedly embarrassed the former NBA star so much, the two were heard screaming at one another. Here's wishing both the best. It looks like "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" star Joseline Hernandez is self-sufficient. There's video of her pleasuring herself circulating the internet. In other reality star news, former "Flava Of Love" star Delicious has apparently recovered nicely from the recent split with her husband. She's reportedly begun dating rapper Drake. The two have been spotted together and only time will tell if it's the real thing. Rapper Kendrick Lamar angered and disappointed some with his comments regarding not voting. Now, in response to the reaction to his words, he took to Twitter to clarify his statement. He doesn't want to discourage others from voting, but encourage those who do to make sure it's for the right reasons. In his initial statement, Lamar said  he didn't believe in the political system and that people should focus on taking care of their own. The President of the League of Young Voters challenged his remarks by saying that disenfranchised people are more powerful when they act collectively. West Coast rapper Game has found Jesus. The Compton MC recently revealed that he's renamed his fifth studio album "Jesus Piece". The album is slated for release next year. He recently released a Bone Thugs-N-Harmony sampling lead single "Celebration" featuring Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga and Lil Wayne. Congratulations to reality star Snookie are in order. She became the mother of a baby boy. On DVD: "Battleship", "The Pirates: Band Of Misfits", "The Lucky One" and "Think Like A Man". On the tube: "MasterChef" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Memo

The action adventure film "The Expendables 2" topped the weekend box office, earning over $13 million dollars. "The Bourne Legacy", "ParaNorman", "The Campaign" and "The Dark Knight Rises" round out the top five films of the week. An Atlanta judge has awarded R&B star Usher primary custody of his two young sons. Reportedly, ex-wife Tameka Foster will appeal this week, as she's suspicious that the decision may have been a biased one. A fund raiser for the judge in the case was held by by Usher's handlers. We'll wait and see what happens. Young Money Entertainment is being sued again. Two producers claim they had songs that appeared on Lil Wayne albums, and did receive royalties. However, the payments have since stopped. There's no word on a court date, and no comment from Lil Wayne. In other Young Money news, it looks like the rumor about rapper Nicki Minaj joining "American Idol" may be true. Reportedly a deal was done for $8 million, which is less than what Mariah Carey was given. Singer Katy Perry reportedly turned the $20 million offered for the gig down. It remains to be seen who will fill the third judge spot.   Although it may be hard to believe, singer Rihanna and comedian Joan Rivers got into a spat via Twitter. Rivers tweeted a comment about Rihanna still being in love with ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown. Rihanna, of course, responded with a not so kind comment of her own. Let's hope things don't go any further. Don't expect to see hip hop newcomer Kendrick Lamar participating in any Get Out The Vote campaigns this election season. During a recent interview with Truth Is Scary, the Compton MC expressed a lack of confidence in the political system. He, however, declined to discuss whether he believed the existence of a "New World Order". After seven years away from the mic, West Coast rap vet Xzibit is looking to pimp his career. He's set to release "Napalm", his first album since 2006. He's been quiet since 2007, when his VH1 show "Pimp My Ride" was canceled and he began concentrating on an acting career. He's got a lot of help too. The 18-track album features guest spots from Wiz Khalifa, Prodigy, Crooked I, Slim The Mobster and Tha Alkaholics. On the production side of things, Xzibit reunites with former mentor Dr Dre, and also worked with Akon, David Banner, S1, Focus and Beat Butcher. He hopes to make an explosive return when the album's released next early next year. Be sure to tune in to "R&B Divas" tonight as the ladies continue to reserect their careers. The show airs on VH1 tonight at 10 p.m. On the tube: "Hotel Hell" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "Bachelor Pad" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

The man accused of breaking into rapper LL Cool J's Los Angeles home is recovering from a broken nose and jaw he sustained in the confrontation with the bulky rapper/actor, but that's not the worse of his problems. Since 56-year-old Jonathan Kirby has a prior rap sheet, the L.A. District Attorney's office has decided to charge him as a 3rd strike offender. That means he could face up to 38 years to life in prison. Kirby broke into LL Cool J's Los Angeles home in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, tripping the alarm system, and causing the "Mama Said Knock You Out" rapper to come downstairs to see what the commotion was about. He was subdued by LL after a physical confrontation until police arrived. Though Kirby now faces charges from the DA, LL himself didn't press any charges against the burglar, who is said to be a transient with mental health issues. "Basketball Wives: Los Angeles" star Gloria Govan recently revealed that she's learned martial arts in preparation for an upcoming role. She went on to say she's eager to use what she's learned on several cast members of "Basketball Wives: Miami", including Shani Oneal, the executive producer of both shows, Jennifer Williams and Evelyn Lozada. Only time will tell how that will turn out. Young Money Records signee Busta Rhymes is coming to the defense of his boss, Lil Wayne, after he made a disparaging remark about New York. During an interview with Hot 97's Angie Martinez, Busta weighed in on the controversy, which began with Wayne commenting "I don't like New York", by saying everyone's entitled to their own opinion. The rapper went on to share a story regarding how a bad experience in El Pas TX, where he and his entourage were arrested after a show and forced to pay $56,000 bail, caused him to feel similar negative emotions toward that city. When asked if he thinks Wayne should apologize as demanded of him by New York State Senatro Malcolm A. Smith, Busta said he didn't think it was necessary. In other Lil Wayne news, it appears that the Young Money boss see some humor in the recent Drake/Chris Brown brawl. During an interview with MTV News, Wayne stated he laughed upon hearing news of the brawl, of which both parties are still suffering the consequences. In the past week, both Drake and Chris Brown over the melee, and club owners and a male model injured during the melee are both seeking to hold both parties responsible. Wayne had previously expressed interest in playing mediator in the conflict. In theaters this weekend: "The Apparition", "Hit & Run" and "Premium Rush". On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "NFL Preseason Football" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

The deal is done. A Los Angeles judge has signed paperwork giving Katherine Jackson and grandson TJ Jackson co-guardianship of Michael Jackson's three children. No other details regarding the deal have been revealed. Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly got himself into hot water at his own concert recently. First, he's known for taking a shot of Voka, then spitting it in a female fan's mouth. Something occured backstage at a recent show, although it's unclear what. The rapper was escorted out of the building. In other Cleveland hip hop news, fans will be happy to know that Bone Thugs-N-Harmony say they intend to release a new album, "The Art Of War 3", soon. It will be the first since their 2010 album. As mentioned previously, pictures of Britian's Prince Harry partying have surfaced, and it turns out the hotel should have taken the cell phones away when the guest entered the room. However, everyone was so busy partying, the phones were over looked. To be certain, the Prince will have plenty of explaining to do. He heads home to London to face the music soon. Rapper Lil Wayne isn't feeling any love from New York. He's in hot water not for foul or violent language. Instead, he's come under fire for being frank about his distaste for the Big Apple during a recent interview. In an interview with MTV News, Wayne stated "I don't like New York". In response to the remark, New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, who represents the borough of Queens, held a press conference to condem Wayne's statement. Wayne has a not so good history with New York. He was arrested after his show in Manhattan in 2007 and was later sentenced to 10 months in the city's Riker's Island Penitentary. Senator Smith concluded his statement regarding the matter by saying that New Yorkers are forgiving people and prepared to forgive Lil Wayne if he makes a sincere apology. So far, Wayne hasn't commented. Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco, whose no stranger to sparking discussion in hip hop, has stirred up discussion again with his latest single, "B****Bad, from his forthcoming album "Food &Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album". During an interview, Lupe stated he wanted to have a discussion regarding the word and it's impact on Black culture. It's safe to say he's accomplished his goal. Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz recently celebrated landed at the top of the charts with his major label debut, "Based On A True Story", selling 147,000 units, knocking the former #1, "Now 43" compilation to number 2. Congratulations. On the tube: "Raising Hope" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "The Office" on NBC. Happy Thursday!