Jay-Z Will Step Down As Def Jam Prez

Rap mogul, Jay-Z will step down as Def Jam Records president when his contract expires this year, he and Universal Music Group announced today (Dec. 24). The rapper will continue to record for Roc-A-Fella, the label he co-founded in 1996, which is part of the Universal-distributed Island Def Jam Music Group.

In a statement announcing his departure, The Jigga acknowledged the artists and executives he had worked with during his three years as label president, including IDJ chairman/CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid.

He added, "It's time for me to take on new challenges. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to build upon the Def Jam legacy, helping to move the company into a new era of artistic success."

WANTED: Yung Joc

Rap performer Yung Joc, failed to show up at his arraignment Wednesday on a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon and was considered a fugitive, a prosecutor said.

Jasiel Robinson, 27, of Atlanta, who performs as Yung Joc, was accused of attempting to take a loaded gun onto a Delta Air Lines flight Sunday and was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, police said.

Keys Celebrates Christmas with 5 Weeks Topping Charts

As the Christmas holiday approaches, Alicia Keys is in control of the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts with "No One," which is No. 1 on those tallies for a fifth and tenth week, respectively.

However, Keys is in position to dethrone herself on both charts before long with "Like You'll Never See Me Again." That cut inches up 3-2 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and 19-13 on the Hot 100.

Flo-Rida's "Low" featuring T-Pain is the Hot 100's fastest-growing track at radio, and trades places 3-2 with Timbaland's "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic. Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss" featuring T-Pain holds at No. 4, as does Fergie's "Clumsy" at No. 5 and Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" at No. 6.

The Hot 100's top tier is rounded out by Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer," up to a new high with an 8-7 move, Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo" (10-8), Rihanna's "Hate That I Love You" featuring Ne-Yo (7-9) and Kanye West's "Good Life" featuring T-Pain (9-10).

R. Kelly Late For Court; Judge May Pull Bond

Although singer R. Kelly showed up for court to avoid an arrest for child pornography charges, his late arrival did not sit well with the judge.

Judge Vincent Gaughan said he was "very disappointed" that Kelly, in the midst of a concert tour, failed to show up for a scheduled Wednesday appearance. Kelly's excuse for his tardiness was that "the police made him late."

We will find out Friday if the judge will revoke his bond, as well as when R. Kelly's trial will begin.

Amy Winehouse Arrested; Makes Bail

English singer Amy Winehouse has been arrested for allegedly "perverting the course of justice" in her husband's current court case. Winehouse immediately made bail.

Winehouse was arrested when she turned herself into authorities by appointment on Tuesday, December 19th.

This isn't the first time Amy Winehouse has been accused of acts of perversion. Early this month the sould singer was pictured wandering the streets at dawn wearing only a bra and a pair of jeans.

Ladies and gentlemen we are currently witnessing a spectacular trainwreck in the making. Let's all just enjoy her amazing artistic talents while we still have the chance.

50 Cent Performs In Eastern Bloc's "Hood"

Thousands turned out in Kosovo's capital Monday to see rapper 50 Cent perform in the territory known more for its political woes than party tunes.

50 Cent arrived for a 10-hour visit that included a concert in a soccer stadium in the capital, Pristina, promoting his latest album "Curtis" and launching Kosovo's second phone operator.

"I came to entertain the world," the 32-year-old artist told the Associated Press in an interview. The rapper, who has sold over 20 million records, is the first high-profile artist to perform publicly in Kosovo.

The crowds chanted along to the songs in a performance marked by fireworks lighting the Pristina skyline.

The volatile province has been run by the United Nations since the end of the war in 1999. Celebrities have visited (mostly for publicity purposes), including the actresses Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie and singer Mariah Carey.

Rhianna Lets Jay-Z Under Her Umbrella?

Rihanna continues to shoot down rumors that she hooked up with Jay-Z, her boss — and Beyonce's boyfriend.

"This is what really happened," the 19-year-old singer tells Allure magazine. "He and my management, they have each other's contact information. I went to (the New York club) Pink Elephant, and he came by. All of a sudden, the next day, I'm seeing that we were kissing and hugging up each other."

The 38-year-old rapper is president of Rihanna's record label Def Jam, a division of Universal Music Group. He signed the Barbados-born sensation three years ago.

"You can't even go out with a friend who's a celebrity and have a good time without people making (bleep) up," Rihanna says in the magazine's January issue. "Well, at least he's good-looking, right?"

Daughtry 2007 Top Selling Artist; Beyonce Top Single

He may not have won "American Idol," but Chris Daughtry is the king of the album charts this year, according to Billboard.

The "Idol" finalist's band, Daughtry, sold 3.2 million copies of their self-titled debut, making it the most popular album of the year, according to the trade magazine. The group was followed by Akon, whose "Konvicted" sold 2.7 million; Fergie's "The Dutchess," which sold 2.4 million; the "Hannah Montana" soundtrack with 2.5 million copies sold; and 2005's "American Idol" champ Carrie Underwood, whose "Some Hearts" sold 2.3 million copies.

Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" was the No. 1 single of the year, followed by Rihanna's "Umbrella." Both have been nominated for a Grammy for record of the year. Rounding out the top five was Gwen Stefani at No. 3 with "The Sweet Escape," Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry" at No. 4 and T-Pain's "Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')" at No. 5.

Ike Turner Found Dead

Ike Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogre-like image as the man who brutally abused former wife and icon Tina Turner, died today (Dec. 12) at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76.

"He did pass away this morning" at his home in San Marcos, in northern San Diego County, said Scott M. Hanover of Thrill Entertainment Group, which managed Turner's musical career.

He won a Grammy in 2007 in the traditional blues album category for "Risin' With the Blues." This summer, he collaborated remotely on some tracks with Ohio rock duo the Black Keys, but it is understood that there is no plan to release them in the near future.

4th Week On Top For Keys Single

Alicia Keys is showing no signs of budging atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, where her track "No One" is No. 1 for a fourth and ninth week, respectively.

Keys' biggest challengers remain Timbaland's "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic, up 3-2 on the Hot 100, and Flo Rida's "Low" featuring T-Pain, which rises 4-3 and is the fastest growing track at radio.

Elsewhere on the Hot 100, Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss" featuring T-Pain slips 2-4, while Fergie's "Clumsy" continues to rise, this week jumping 6-5 while trading places with Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly." Rihanna's "Hate That I Love You" featuring Ne-Yo is up 9-7, while Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer" moves 10-8.

Kanye West's "Good Life" featuring T-Pain (7-9) and Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo" (11-10) round out the top tier of the Hot 100. Wyclef Jean's "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" featuring Akon, Lil Wayne and Niia is the top digital gainer and soars 32-20. The top debut comes from Boys Like Girls' "Hero/Heroine" at No. 84.

Albums Droppin' Today

Albums dropping today (Dec 11/07):

Bow Wow - Face Off

The-Dream - Love Me All Summer, Hate Me All Winter

Wu-Tang Clan - 8 Diagrams

Maroon 5 and Fergie Lead iTunes 2007 Sales

Maroon 5 and Fergie hold the top spots on iTunes' year-end sales roundup.

The online music store released its top-selling albums and singles Tuesday, though it declined to release actual sales figures.

Maroon 5's sophomore album, "It Won't Be Soon Before Long," was the No. 1 seller on the site, followed by Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" and Kanye West's "Graduation." Winehouse and West are also leaders heading into the 50th annual Grammy Awards — he has eight nominations, she has six.

Rounding out the top five best-selling albums were "American Idol" alum Chris Daughtry's band's self-titled debut, "Daughtry," and "Coco" by newcomer Colbie Caillat, who has the hit "Bubbly."

Fergie came in at first and fifth place in single sales. Her hit "Big Girls Don't Cry" was the top-selling single of the year for iTunes, while "Glamorous" finished in fifth. Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape" came in second place, followed by Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" and Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend."

Stefani Donates Concert Proceeds To Fire Victims

Gwen Stefani is contributing $166,000 from her local concert to provide scholarships for students who lost their homes in San Diego's recent wildfires.

Proceeds from her Oct. 30 concert in San Diego were donated to The San Diego Foundation's fire relief fund.

"When I heard about the devastation of the fires, at first I felt I should cancel my show out of respect. But then it occurred to me there might be a more useful solution," the 38-year-old singer said in a recent statement.

The Gwen Stefani After-the-Fires Scholarship will be open to college students and graduating high school seniors who lost their homes or their source of income in the October fires, which killed at least 10 people and destroyed more than 1,700 homes.

Keys Dominates Top Singles Chart; 3 Weeks At #1

R&B singer Alicia Keys began a third week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart Thursday with "No One

Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss" featuring T-Pain rose one to No. 2, trading places with Timbaland's "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic.

Flo Rida's "Low" featuring T-Pain held at No. 4. Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" rose one to No. 5.

Also up a notch were Fergie's "Clumsy" at No. 6, and Kanye West's "Good Life" featuring T-Pain at No. 7. Soulja Boy's "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" dropped three to No. 8.

Rihanna's "Hate That I Love You" featuring Ne-Yo remained at No. 9, and Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer" rose one to No. 10.

Kanye Leads In Grammy Noms; Will He Finally Get Respect?

Kanye West received a leading eight Grammy nominations Thursday, and the troubled singer Amy Winehouse received six.

Other top nominees included the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Rihannna, Paul McCartney, T-Pain and Timbaland.

Both West and Winehouse were nominated for album of the year for their CDs, "Graduation" and "Back to Black" respectively. Winehouse was also cited for best new artist, plus record and song of the year for her hit defiant hit "Rehab."

Other record of year candidates included Beyonce's "Irreplaceable," the Foo Fighter's "The Pretender," Rihanna's "Umbrella" and "What Goes Around Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake.

The album of the year category also featured the Foo Fighters, for "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace," as well as Winehouse's album. Vince Gill's four-disc set "These Days" was also cited, along with Herbie Hancock's tribute to Joni Mitchell, "River: The Joni Letters," and West's "Graduation."

Besides Winehouse's "Rehab," other song of the year candidates included Corrine Bailey Rae's sweet-sounding "Like A Star," Carrie Underwood's revenge anthem "Before He Cheats," The Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" and "Umbrella."

Winehouse was competing against Feist, Paramour, Taylor Swift and Ledesi in the best new artist category.

Groban Leads Week As Album Sales Slow

Not a single new release arrives in the top tiers of The Billboard 200 this week, as Josh Groban's "Noel" retains its lead on the chart for a second week. The 143/Reprise effort moved 539,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, a 33% increase in sales.

The Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden" (Eagles Recording Co.) soars 5-2 with a 70% boost to 313,000, fueled in part by the band's interview on "60 Minutes."

Alicia Keys' "As I Am" (J) slips 2-3 with 257,000 (-26%), while hits compilation "Now 26" falls 3-4 with 127,000 (-46%). Garth Brooks' Pearl set "The Ultimate Hits" descends a notch 4-5 with a 41% sales hit to 112,000. The soundtrack to Disney's "High School Musical 2" holds tight at No. 6 with 98,000, a 47% drop.

Miley Cyrus' Disney double-disc set "Hannah Montana 2 (Soundtrack)/Meet Miley Cyrus" re-enters the top 10 with a 12-7 move. The album sold 96,000, a 3% drop. Sitting at No. 8 for a second week is Celine Dion's Columbia album "Taking Chances" with 93,000 (-28%).

Carrie Underwood's "Carnival Ride" (Arista Nashville) falls 7-9 after selling 89,000 (-37%). Holiday staple Mannheim Steamroller's latest American Gramaphone effort "Christmas Song" vaults 21-10 with 77,000, a 24% uptick.

Sinatra Named The Ultimate "Mail"

Ol' Blue Eyes will get his own postage stamp next spring.

The stamp commemorating Frank Sinatra was announced Wednesday by Postmaster General John Potter, who called the crooner "an extraordinary entertainer whose life and work left an indelible impression on American culture."

"His recordings, concert performances and film work place him among America's top artists, and his legendary gift for transforming popular song into art is a rare feat that few have been able to replicate," Potter said.

The stamp image will be unveiled next Wednesday — Sinatra's birthday — at a ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Albums Droppin' This Week

Albums dropping today (December 4th/2007):

Daft Punk - Alive 2007

Blake Lewis - Audio Day Dream

Wyclef Jean - Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant

Amy Winehouse - Frank

Scarface - MADE

T-Pain - No Love Without Pain

Velvet Revolver Singer Denies DUI

Scott Weiland was arrested for driving under the influence of a drug after he crashed his car, but his publicist says it was a minor accident and denies the allegations.

The Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver singer, who has a history of drug problems, was driving on a state highway Nov. 21 when he had the accident.

The singer was arrested after an officer noticed he showed "signs of impairment" and failed field sobriety tests, according to a police report

Weiland, 40, was taken to the Van Nuys Jail where he refused to take a blood or urine test, according to the police report. He was booked and released on $40,000 bail. His next court appearance was set for Dec. 13.

"Scott was not driving under the influence of a drug, legal or illegal," Kristine Ashton-Magnuson said. "He voluntarily took a breathalyzer test which the defense believes registers well within the legal limit."

"He is anxious to get to court ... and clear this matter up," she said.

Petty Won't back Down As SuperBowl Halftime Show

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will play the coveted halftime slot at the Super Bowl in Arizona on February 3, organizers of the year's No. 1 television event said on Sunday.

This year, nearly 140 million Americans watched Prince play at the football extravaganza.

Other recent acts have included the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and U2. The most infamous performer was Janet Jackson, who bared her breast during the 2004 event, triggering a bipartisan political crackdown on televised smut.

The NFL championship game will be held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, near Phoenix. It will be televised by Fox.

Petty's performance will mark a rare occasion where the veteran rocker is closely aligned with a corporate sponsor, in this case the North American arm of Japanese tire firm Bridgestone Corp, which has lent its name to the halftime event.

Petty, 57, is an outspoken opponent of sponsorship of rock concerts, and his last album with the Heartbreakers, 2002's "The Last DJ," was a pointed assault on corporate greed. His spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment.

I for one am not looking forward to a possible Tom Petty wardrobe malfunction.