With Two Hot Singles, Lil' Mama Finally Ready To Drop Album

Having scored a second big hit without the benefit of an album, teenage rapper Lil Mama's debut album finally has a release date. "VYP -- Voice of the Young People" will arrive April 29.



The set has already spawned the Hot 100 hit "Lip Gloss" and this week, second single "Shawty Get Loose" featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain has already showen incredible chart gains.

"Shawty" is benefiting from further exposure in commercials for the MTV show "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew," on which Lil Mama is a judge.

Rick Ross Gets Trilla At Top Spot On Charts

Miami rapper Rick Ross scores his second straight chart-topper on the Billboard 200 as "Trilla" debuts in the top spot.



The "NOW 27" compilation is new at 2nd spot, while Snoop Dogg's "Ego Trippin"' debuts at 3, fueled by the success of the single "Sensual Seduction."

Jack Johnson's "Sleep Through the Static" slips from 2 to 4. Alan Jackson's "Good Time," which topped the chart the previous week, plummets to 5th.

Debuting at 6 is rapper Fat Joe's "The Elephant in the Room," and Sara Bareilles' "Little Voice" holds at 7 in its 24th chart week.

Janet Jackson's "Discipline" slips from 3rd to 8th in its third week.

Erykah Badu's "New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War)" drops from the sixth rung to 9, while Miley Cyrus' "The Best of Both Worlds Concert" arrives at 10 spot.

SXSW Rocks With A Theme of War

Tom Morello, Serj Tankian, Ben Harper, Billy Bragg and others joined forces to sow some musical seeds of revolution last night at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.



The musicians were celebrating the release of "Body of War," the new documentary about paralyzed Iraq war veteran Tomas Young, who also worked with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder to curate the film's soundtrack.

The outspoken Morello, railing -- as is his wont -- against "an awful (presidential) administration and its awful war," -- then played a Nightwatchman set that included "Flesh Shapes the Day," Rage Against the Machine's "Guerrilla Radio," "Battle Hymns" (his contribution to the "Body of War: Songs That Inspired an Iraq Veteran" album), "House Gone Up in Flames" and a rendition of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" which included the often deleted final verse and found Morello trading verses with Bragg, Tankian and Mason Jennings.

Kimya Dawson closed the show with a three-song set -- including the "Juno" hit "Anyone Else But You," and some pointed political commentary of her own.

Jackson Takes Down Jackson On Album Charts

Country star Alan Jackson replaced Janet Jackson at the top of the U.S. pop album chart, while rock bands Flogging Molly and the Black Crowes cracked the top five with their latest releases.



Janet Jackson's "Discipline" slid to 3rd, while Jack Johnson's former chart-topper "Sleep Through the Static" rose one to 2nd.

Flogging Molly earned its highest charting album and its best sales week ever as "Float" started in 4th.

The Black Crowes achieved their highest charting album since 1992 as "Warpaint" debuted at 5th.

Women rounded out the top 10: "4th World War," the first half of Erykah Badu's double album series "New Amerykah," fell four spots to 6th, Sara Bareilles' "Little Voice" climbed two to 7; Alicia Keys' "As I Am" fell three to 8th; Taylor Swift's album rebounded into 9th; and Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" held at 10th spot.

Lachey and Randy Jackson Hookup With MTV...Dogg!

MTV is giving young people the chance to follow their dreams through several new music- and dance-themed projects, including an unscripted musical drama from Nick Lachey that's described as a reality version of "Fame."



The network also has greenlighted to series two singing competitions -- "Rock the Cradle," from FremantleMedia North America (Fox's "American Idol"), and the working-titled "Celebrity Music Mentor Project" -- and has renewed the dance competition "Randy Jackson: America's Best Dance Crew" for a second season.

It's Game On As Rapper Leaves Jail

Looks like it is Game On!



Los Angeles County sheriff's records show that the rapper, The Game, was released from jail just before midnight Sunday after serving eight days of a 60-day sentence.

The 28-year-old entertainer (real name: Jayceon Taylor) turned himself in March 2.

He was convicted last month of possession of a firearm in a school zone after being accused of pulling a gun on a player from an opposing team during a pickup game at a South Los Angeles school nearly a year ago.

Rhianna Bans Umbrellas; Fears Pirates For Fans

Rihanna has banned fans from bringing umbrellas to her gigs in a move based on security fears.



Fans attending the star's gig on Monday had their brollies confiscated by security guards before they got into Scotland's Aberdeen Exhibition Centre for the show.

Security guard Andy McDonald told the newspaper: "We don't normally ask people to leave an umbrella outside. But we were taking precautions over a potential accident.

"We were told that Rihanna's song features dancing with umbrellas onstage. We didn't want the crowd following her actions and someone getting their eye poked out."

Chesney Leads Country Music Nominations

Country superstar Kenny Chesney leads all comers with 11 nominations for the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, including entertainer of the year and top male vocalist.



Chesney was also nominated as an artist and producer for album of the year for "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates" and for single of the year, song of the year and top video for "Don't Blink." If Chesney wins entertainer, which for the first time will be a fan-voted honor, it will be his fourth consecutive win in the category, tying Garth Brooks.

Meanwhile, rising star Rodney Atkins is nominated for six awards, including top male vocalist, song and album. He won top new male vocalist at last year's show. Reigning top male vocalist Brad Paisley is nominated in four categories, including entertainer, male vocalist, album and video.

Big & Rich received four nominations, including top vocal duo and single, song and video of the year. John Rich is nominated for a producer and writer award and Big Kenny Alphin is nominated for two producing awards.

Sugarland was also nominated for four awards, including duo, song single and video of the year. The duo's Jennifer Nettles received two nominations for writing and producing and Kristian Bush received one for producing.


Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift nabbed three nominations each, leading all female nominees. Both are up for album of the year.

Artists not traditionally associated with the genre were represented among the nominees. Bon Jovi picked up its second ACM nomination, this time in the vocal event category for a duet with LeAnn Rimes, "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore." Sheryl Crow picks up a vocal event nomination for the second year in a row, this year for "What You Give Away" with Vince Gill.

The Eagles grabbed their second top vocal group nomination; the first came in 1975. Kelly Clarkson picked up her first nomination, for vocal event, with Reba McEntire, who will host the show for the tenth time.

Obama's Girls Think Britney and Paris Are Trash

Barack Obama says his two daughters are fans of Hannah Montana and Beyonce, but think anything to do with Britney Spears and Paris Hilton is "yuck". One can only guess that "yuck" means that they are both skanky hos.



The Democratic presidential contender told celebrity magazine Us Weekly that his daughters, Malia, 9, and Sasha, 6, got to meet Beyonce backstage at a concert and "they just love her to death."

"They're pretty down on Britney and Paris and all of that. They think that's very `yuck,'" he said.

As for his wife, Michelle, Obama said she has a star crush on Stevie Wonder.

"I've been teasing her because Stevie fell off the stage at one of our events," Obama said. "I said to her, `This is your favorite performer, and you push him off the stage?' Fortunately, he was OK."

The Illinois senator described himself as a "pretty cool" dad who tries not to embarrass his daughters even when he's dancing on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," as he did in October.

Though campaigning keeps him away from his family, Obama hasn't skipped a parent-teacher conference.

Flo Rida sits at 10 weeks at top of the Charts

Flo Rida's "Low" enters an incredible 10th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, even though the rapper's debut album, "Mail on Sunday," is still more than three weeks away from its March 18th.



Chris Brown's "With You" and Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" remain at 2 and 3, while Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" slides up a spot to 4th, a new peak for the song. Alicia Keys' "No One" still hangs in the Top 5 at the 5th spot, and Timbaland's "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic stays put at 6.

Snoop Dogg's "Sensual Seduction" keeps going at 7, and Sean Kingston's "Take You There" also stays at 8. Webbie, Lil' Phat & Boosie's "Independent" moves up to 9, flipping places with Buckcherry's "Sorry" to round out the top 10.

Jordin Sparks' "No Air" featuring Chris Brown is the top digital gainer and launches 10 spots from 23 to 13. Usher's "Love In This Club" featuring Young Jeezy is the fastest growing song at radio, shooting up 32 spots to land at 51 in only its second week.

Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson's "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," debuts at 80.


Foo Fighters top the Modern Rock charts with "Long Road To Ruin" for a second week and Puddle Of Mudd's "Psycho" leads Mainstream Rock for a third.

Jack Johnson's "Sleep Through the Static" remains No. 1 on The Billboard 200 for a third week.

Alicia Keys' "As I Am" climbs back to 2nd, while Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" slips to 3rd.

The popular "Kidz Bop" series starts at No. 4. While the soundtrack to "Step Up 2: The Streets" surges 5 spots to number 5. Another soundtrack, "Juno," remains at No. 6 for a third week. (-28%). Sara Bareilles', "Little Voice" zooms into 7th.

Chris Cagle earns his first top 10 effort on the big chart, as "My Life's Been a Country Song" starts at No. 8.


Mary J. Blige's album "Growing Pains" hangs at No. 9 for a second week. Finishing up the Top 10 is Taylor Swift's self-titled album which falls from 7th to 10th.
Only two other sets debut inside the top 50 this week.

Madonna Inducted To HOF By Timberlake

Justin Timberlake will induct Madonna into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.



The "Sexyback" singer has been working with the Material Mom on her upcoming album, expected to be released this year.

Madonna will be among those honored March 10 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. Other inductees include Leonard Cohen, John Mellencamp, The Dave Clark Five, The Ventures and Little Walter.

Tom Hanks will induct The Dave Clark Five, the '60s British pop band behind the hit "Glad All Over." Billy Joel will pay tribute to Mellencamp, and Lou Reed will honor Cohen.

Ben Harper will induct Little Walter, who produced 14 Top 10 hits on the R&B charts before his death in 1968 at 37. John Fogerty will induct The Ventures, whose hits include "Walk Don't Run" and "Hawaii Five-O."

Singer-songwriter Jerry Butler will induct Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, founders of the Philadelphia International record label that collaborated with R&B artists such as Butler, The O'Jays, Patti LaBelle and Lou Rawls.

Justin Timberlake To Hit The "Open Road"

Justin Timberlake will portray fictional Hooks player Carlton Garrett in the upcoming movie "The Open Road." The 27-year-old pop star tried to meet with players of the Houston Astros' Double-A team in Austin recently, but schedules didn't align.



"Justin wants to portray what it's like playing for the Hooks, playing for an Astros minor league team and playing at Whataburger Field," Hooks President J.J. Gottsch said.

"The Open Road" is the story of a young man trying to reconnect with his father — a legendary athlete played by Jeff Bridges — as he struggles to get home to his ailing mother. Mary Steenburgen and Kate Mara are also in the film.

Brit Awards To Go To Rehab

Mika, Leona Lewis and Take That were the front-runners for Wednesday's Brit Awards, the British music industry's most prestigious prizes.



But much of the anticipation focused on an artist who isn't nominated for any awards — Amy Winehouse. The troubled soul diva, who scooped up five Grammys last week, was due to perform alongside superproducer Mark Ronson on his reworking of The Zutons' "Valerie." The song, from Ronson's album "Version," is nominated for best British single.

Organizers would not confirm reports Winehouse also planned to sing one of the hits from her breakthrough album "Back to Black."

Winehouse, 24, has had a tumultuous 12 months since she was named best female British act at last year's Brits. Her five Grammys — which include record of the year for her autobiographical single "Rehab" — was a rare high point in a year of erratic behavior, canceled concerts, tabloid headlines and drug allegations.

Winehouse spent two weeks in a rehab facility before her Feb. 10 appearance at the Grammys. She performed by video link from London because of a holdup in obtaining a U.S. work visa.

The Brits usually attract a sprinkling of international stars as well as top British acts. Scheduled performers at Wednesday's ceremony, hosted by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, include Kaiser Chiefs, Kylie Minogue and Rihanna.

The nominated acts are a mix of the new and the nostalgic. Take That — who split in 1996 but reformed a decade later minus original member Robbie Williams — were nominated in four categories: British group, British live act, British album for "Beautiful World" and British single for "Shine."

Oasis' Gallagher Weds Girlfriend

Pop the champagne supernova, Oasis brother, Liam Gallagher has finally made it official.



The Oasis frontman tied the knot on Valentine's Day with his longtime gal-pal and former All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, per British media reports.

The duo, who have been together eight years, swapped vows in a civil ceremony at London's Westminster Registry Office, which, as it happens, is the same venue where Gallagher married his first wife, actress Patsy Kensit, in 1997.

Attending the nuptials were a smattering of friends and family, among them Appleton's sister, Natalie; her hubby, Liam Howlett of electronica act the Prodigy; and her former mates from her English-Canadian girl pop band, Melanie Blatt and Shaznay Lewis. The most notable absentee was Gallagher's brother, Noel, Oasis' guitarist and principal songwriter, who was said to be in Los Angeles working on the group's next album.

The couple have a seven-year-old son, Gene. Liam also has an eight-year-old son, Lennon (named after his idol, John Lennon), from his three-year marriage to Kensit, and a nine-year-old daughter, Molly, with singer Lisa Moorish.

Lil' Wayne Indicted By Jury

A jury has indicted Lil Wayne on felony drug and weapons charges.



The 25-year-old rapper, whose name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was charged with one count each of possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the indictment.

Lil Wayne pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Friday.

His attorney, James Tilson, said Tuesday that Lil Wayne's tour would continue as scheduled.

Lil Wayne is due back in court March 7 for a status hearing.

Juvenile Arrested For An Adult Charge

The rapper known as Juvenile was arrested Tuesday after police pulled him over for an expired tag and found marijuana in his car, authorities said.



Juvenile, a 32-year-old whose real name is Terius Gray, was arrested on misdemeanor marijuana possession after he was stopped on Interstate 20 near Meridian, Lauderdale County Sheriff William Sollie said.

"A small amount of marijuana was seized and he was placed under arrest," Sollie said.

Juvenile, who lives in New Orleans, was released later Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney, and a woman who answered the telephone at a listing for a T. Gray declined to confirm that it was the rapper's residence.

The rapper, best known for the song "Back That Thing Up," was headed from Atlanta to New Orleans when his car was pulled over, Sollie said. At least one other person was in the car, but no one else was charged, he said.

Juvenile has been arrested at least four times on charges ranging from failure to pay child support to resisting an officer in a scuffle at a Florida mall in 1999. Most of the charges have been dismissed.

In 2003, he pleaded guilty to felony battery and was sentenced to 75 hours of community service for hitting a man on the head with a champagne bottle.

Game Over!

It looks like The Game will be put on pause for a little while.



The rapper was sentenced Monday to 60 days in jail after pleading no contest to felony possession of a firearm in a school zone. Two other counts were dismissed under a plea agreement, the district attorney's office said.

The 28-year-old entertainer, whose real name is Jayceon Terrell Taylor, was accused of pulling a gun on a player from an opposing team during a pickup game at a South Los Angeles school nearly a year ago.

Superior Court Judge Fred Wapner credited the rapper with two days already served toward the jail time and imposed 150 hours of community service and a three-year probationary term.

Winehouse Dominates Grammys

On the night celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grammys, the most trophies went to Amy Winehouse, a 24-year-old singer known for her old-soul voice. The most sought-after prize, for album of the year, went to veteran jazzman Herbie Hancock for his Joni Mitchell tribute disc.



"I can't believe I've won five awards," Winehouse said. She coyly sang "Rehab" and "You Know I'm No Good" via satellite link from London, then dedicated her record of the year trophy to her hometown, parents and jailed husband, "my Blake, my Blake incarcerated."

Hancock, whose "River: The Joni Letters" won album of the year, said after the show Sunday night at the Staples Center that it was "immeasurable how surprised I am."

Presenter Quincy Jones seemed even more excited for the 11-time Grammy winner, throwing his hands wide after reading Hancock's name. "Aaaahhh! Unbelievable. That's unbelievable, man," Jones exclaimed.

Industry observers had expected either Winehouse's "Back in Black" or Kanye West's "Graduation" to take the prize. There was speculation the two may have split the vote of younger, more pop-centric National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences voters, leaving the door open for Hancock.

That result left the typically outspoken West in no mood to share his thoughts. West won four trophies, but after losing out once again in the album of the year category he'd made no secret of coveting, he skipped post-show interview rooms to instead pose for photos with his fiance and members of his entourage.

"I'm good," he said quietly, in response to questions about how he felt. It was a subdued echo of the exuberant call on his "Good Life," which won for rap song.

Winehouse, who won five of the six awards for which she was nominated, perhaps best embodied the evening's spirit of joining the old with the new. Her sound, cultivated on "Back to Black" by producer of the year winner Mark Ronson, blends '50s flavors with modern subject matter and hip-hop influences.

Along those lines, show producers began the evening with Alicia Keys singing "Learnin' The Blues" alongside archival footage of Frank Sinatra, a la Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable" duet with her deceased father in 1992.

"Yeah, Frank," Keys interjected during a Sinatra verse. "Tell 'em."

Beyonce was paired with Tina Turner for a showy — and leggy — rendition of "Proud Mary.". Kid Rock joined up with Keely Smith, a winner in the very first Grammys in 1958, for "That Old Black Magic." Hancock and Chinese wunderkind Lang Lang did the dueling pianos thing for a compelling take on George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."

The Beatles were honored by performers from two new interpretations of their music, the Cirque du Soleil show "Love" and Julie Taymor's film "Across the Universe."

Memories dominated West's performance of "Hey Mama," a once-exuberant song from his 2005 album "Late Registration" that he has transformed into a somber tribute since his mother Donda's sudden death last year.

"Last night I saw you in my dreams. Now I can't wait to go to sleep," he sang in the night's most emotional performance.

Accepting the award for rap album, West spoke to his mother: "I appreciate everything and I know you are really proud of me right now and I know you wouldn't want me to stop and you'd want me to be the No. 1 artist in the world."

Veteran rocker Bruce Springsteen took home three Grammys, including best rock song for "Radio Nowhere." Chaka Khan picked up two trophies, including one for best R&B album for "Funk This."

Keys Returns To Top Of Album Charts

Alicia Keys returns to the top of The Billboard 200 with "As I Am," making this her fourth non-consecutive week at No. 1. While the soundtrack to "Juno" is displaced to the second spot.

The Mars Volta earns its best charting week ever, arriving at No. 3. Other alt-rock band Bullet For My Valentine has a big charting and sales week, as "Scream Aim Fire" starts at No. 4.

The "2008 Grammy Nominees" multi-artist compilation album bows at No. 5. The compilation features tracks from this year's biggest awards nominees, including Feist, Amy Winehouse, Maroon 5, Kanye West and Herbie Hancock.

Mary J. Blige's album "Growing Pains" falls to 6th.

Dance remixes of the original "Hannah Montana 2" Disney movie soundtrack, the "Hannah Montana 2: Non-Stop Dance Party" album begins at No. 7.

Keyshia Cole's "Just Like You" holds tight at No. 8 for a second week while Taylor Swift's Big Machine self-titled debut slips to 9th.

Miley Cyrus' double-disc "Hannah Montana 2 (Soundtrack)/Meet Miley Cyrus" clings to the No. 10 slot for a third week in a row.

Spice Girls Appologize For Short Tour

The Spice Girls said sorry to disappointed fans on Wednesday for cutting short their reunion tour and denied it was hit by bitter in-fighting.



They have cancelled concerts in China, South Africa, Australia and Argentina. The tour that reunited the British "Girl Power" group in a blaze of publicity is now to end in Toronto on February 26.

Emma, Geri, Mel B, Melanie C and Victoria blamed "family and personal commitments" for the abrupt change of plan after completing a series of money-spinning concerts in Britain and the United States.

On Wednesday they put on their official Web site a one-minute "apology video" to angry fans.

Victoria, married to soccer star David Beckham, said "Our kids need to go back to school and we always said our families are our priorities. Sorry we haven't got to see everybody."

Mel C said: "There has been a lot of rubbish in the media over the last few days so we wanted you to hear it from the horse's mouth. We're very sorry not to be able to get to all the places we wanted to."

In the video, the quintet pretended to fight each other before Mel B screamed: "We hate each other? Are you kidding? We love each other!"

Pimp C Died From Sippin' On Some Sizzurp

Influential Southern rapper Pimp C died of an accidental overdose of a combination of drugs he had named in his lyrics — codeine and promethazine, the county coroner's office ruled Monday.



The drugs are key ingredients in "syrup," a narcotic of choice in Southern rap circles that was most famously celebrated by Three 6 Mafia and Pimp C's group Underground Kingz in the 2000 single "Sippin' on some Syrup."

The coroner's office said Pimp C had sleep apnea, which causes people to stop breathing for up to 30 seconds at a time while sleeping. That illness combined with large amounts of prescription-strength cough syrup is what killed the rapper, coroner's Capt. Ed Winter said.

DJ Screw, another influential figure in the Texas hip-hop scene, died of a heart attack in 2000 after a reported overdose of codeine-laced cough syrup.

Pimp C, born Chad Butler, was 33 when he was found in his bed Dec. 4 at the upscale Mondrian hotel in West Hollywood. The coroner's office said his body was decomposing when it was found.

With partner-in-rhyme Bun B, Pimp C was half of the pioneering Port Arthur, Texas-based rap duo UGK. The group's self-titled CD topped the Billboard charts last year. Pimp C had been working on a solo effort before he died.

Albums Droppin' This Week

I hope you all are ready for the awesome albums that are hitting stores tommorrow, Tuesday Feb. 5th:

Sheryl Crow - Detours



Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static



Lenny Kravitz - It Is Time For A Love Revolution




Will one of these albums rise to the Top 10 like Natasha Bedingfield's album, Pocketful of Sunshine did on it's debut a couple weeks ago? We'll have to wait and see.

Super Bowl Pregame Concert Brings In 50 Cent

50 Cent captained an all-star team during his pre-game Super Bowl concert.



Between performing hits like "Candy Shop" and "Ayo Technology" with his crew, the rapper welcomed Deion Sanders and Ludacris on the Pontiac Garage Stage during Thursday's performance at the 944 Super Village, a makeshift venue constructed by 944 magazine in an empty lot adjacent to Scottdale's Fashion Square Mall.

Paris Hilton also made a cameo about halfway through 50's performance. Hilton — who appears topless on the February cover of 944 magazine — emerged from the front row and partially danced her way onstage with 50, drawing the attention of both professional photographers' lenses and audience members' cell phones.

"Get off my cameras," 50 joked to the heiress.

Meanwhile, two men dressed as Ooompa Loompas from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" danced on tables in a VIP section.

Backstage, reality TV stars Kourtney and Chloe Kardashian, actor Mekhi Phifer and two women wearing nothing but G-strings and Trump Premium Vodka bottles painted on their nude bodies were spotted. Tickets to the concert went for anywhere between $100 to $1,000.

Britney Rushed To Get Help

Britney Spears was taken from her home by ambulance early Thursday and escorted to the hospital by more than a dozen police officers in cars, on motorcycles and in helicopters.



The 26-year-old pop star was being taken to "get help," said a Los Angeles police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter. The Los Angeles Times cited unidentified authorities who said Spears was being placed on a "mental evaluation hold."

Spears was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where her mother, Lynne, was seen leaving its psychiatric hospital at about 5:30 a.m. When asked by a throng of paparazzi and reporters whether Britney was doing all right, Lynne Spears replied, "Yeah," before leaving in a Range Rover.

Hours earlier, shortly after 1 a.m., a motorcade nearly the length of a football field pulled away from Spears' residence. Along with the ambulance, it included police on nearly a dozen motorcycles, in two cruisers, and two helicopters following overhead.

Juno Soundtrack Reigns Supreme On Billboard Chart

The soundtrack to "Juno" moves up from No. 2 to No. 1, becoming the Rhino label's first chart-topper on the Billboard 200.

It's the first film soundtrack to top the chart since last year's "Dreamgirls" and the first from an Academy Award best picture nominee since "Titanic" reached the summit on January 24, 1998.

Alicia Keys' "As I Am" (J) flip-flops with "Juno," dropping from the top spot to No. 2, with 60,000 (a 1 percent decrease). Natasha Bedingfield earns her best charting and sales week ever as her sophomore Epic album, "Pocketful of Sunshine," enters at No. 3 with 50,000. Her debut, 2005's "Unwritten," started and peaked at No. 26 with 34,000. Sales of the new project were aided by the single "Love Like This" featuring Sean Kingston, which recently moved into the top 20 of the Hot 100.

Mary J. Blige's Matriarch/Geffen album "Growing Pains" falls from No. 3 to No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with 45,000, a 12 percent sales slip. Descending one rung to No. 5, Radiohead's "In Rainbows" (TBD/ATO) moves 35,000 (a drop of 24 percent), while Taylor Swift's Big Machine debut holds tight at No. 6 for a second consecutive week, its 66th week on the chart, selling 35,000 with a 2 percent sales increase.

Teenage R&B star Chris Brown's Jive album "Exclusive" bumps up from No. 9 to No. 7 with an 8 percent sales boost to 32,000. Keyshia Cole's "Just Like You" (Confidential/Imani/Geffen) re-enters the top 10, jumping from 12th place to No. 8 with 31,000 (a 21 percent gain), while Garth Brooks' Pearl collection "The Ultimate Hits" also experiences a 21 percent sales swell to 30,000, climbing from No. 14 to No. 9. Miley Cyrus' Disney double-disc "Hannah Montana 2 (Soundtrack)/Meet Miley Cyrus" clings to the No. 10 slot with a 9 percent sales increase to 30,000.

Dixie Chick Having Another Lil' Chick

Martie Maguire of the Dixie Chicks and her husband, Gareth, are expecting a third daughter.

Maguire, 38, announced her pregnancy on the group's Web site Monday.

She wrote that her 3-year-old twin daughters, Eva and Katie, "are very excited to have a new baby sister."

"Three girls, what a magic number!" Maguire said.

She said the baby is due in late summer.

The report was confirmed by the Chicks' publicist.

Maguire plays fiddle and mandolin in the trio, which also includes Natalie Maines and Emily Robison. Hits by the Chicks include "Wide Open Spaces," "Without You," "Goodbye Earl" and "Not Ready To Make Nice.

Suprising Influences In New Jonas Bros. Album

The Jonas Brothers are putting the touches on their third album, an as-yet-untitled affair that's due out July 8 via Hollywood, according to Nick Jonas.

The album is said to feature the same Jonas Bros. sound that fans have come to love. With that said, the lyrics are supposed to be deeper and several songs are influenced by great bands from the past.

Nick Jonas told Billboard.com, "We have some more Elvis Costello-type influences on it. There's a song called 'Be Be Good' which is definitely an Animals, Rascals type of influence and obviously, of course, the Beatles."

Sounds exciting. I can't wait to see where they went with this one.

Page Ready For Zeppelin World Tour

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page said Monday he was ready to take the iconic band on a world tour after burning up the stage at last month's reunion concert in London. But it probably won't be before September.

"The amount of work we put into O2 was what you would normally put into a world tour anyway," Page, 64, said of the intense rehearsing the band did for the Dec. 10 concert at London's O2 Arena.

The band's three surviving members — Page, singer Robert Plant and bassist-keyboardist John Paul Jones — were joined at the sold-out benefit show by the late John Bonham's son Jason on drums.

Page, who was in Japan to promote the new Zeppelin release, "Mothership," said the two-hour-plus concert was proof that Led Zeppelin can still perform at its best.

He said the band, which formed in 1968, was ready musically to get back together and take it out on a wider run, but it was not clear when it would go on tour as the singer had other plans.

"Robert Plant has a parallel project and he is busy with that until September," Page said.

Plant and bluegrass star Alison Krauss will begin their world tour with a run of shows in the southern U.S. this spring. The two released an album in October called "Raising Sand" that debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard chart in the U.S. The duo will tour Europe in May before returning for North American shows still to be announced for June and July.

Page said the band set their standards very high before agreeing to do the reunion, their only one in 20 years. Led Zeppelin broke up in 1980 after the elder Bonham's death.

UB40 Singer Quits; No One Cares

Ali Campbell has quit UB40 after almost 30 years, citing management problems.

His bandmates, however, said the 48-year-old singer left to pursue solo projects.

In a statement on his Web site, Campbell said Friday that "management difficulties, which have been ongoing for almost five years, had become intolerable."

"No words can express how upset I feel today that I have been forced to make this decision," he wrote.

Campbell said UB40, which includes his brother Robin, would continue without him.

In a separate statement, UB40 said Campbell "has taken the decision to focus on his solo career and in doing so, could not give his full commitment to UB40."

"The other band members of UB40 are naturally disappointed and saddened after being together as a band unit and as good friends for almost 30 years," the statement said.

UB40's upcoming "24/7," which was recorded with Campbell, will be released as planned in May.

Blunt Charges Filed In Lil Wayne Case

The Yuma County Attorney's Office filed felony drug and weapons charges Friday against Lil Wayne.

The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was charged in justice court in Wellton, Ariz., with one count each of possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is scheduled to appear Feb. 12 at a preliminary hearing.

Carter was in court, where a judge lifted a bail restriction prohibiting him from leaving the state. He was arrested after his tour bus was stopped in southern Arizona late Tuesday and is free on bail.

His lawyer wasn't immediately available for comment

Suge Knight Named In Gang Injunction

City officials asked a judge to ban members of the Mob Piru street gang from being able to congregate in a neighborhood of Compton and asked that the order include Marion "Suge" Knight.



The co-founder of Death Row Records was one of 200 people the officials said were members of Mob Piru. The injunction would ban them from congregating, carrying guns, drinking alcohol in public or staying out past 10 p.m.

Knight called the injunction a "publicity stunt. This is crazy," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm a 42-year-old businessman, not a gang member. I don't even live in Compton anymore." A hearing on the matter was to be held Jan 24th.

Although such injunctions are a common anti-gang tactic in southern California, this is the first time one has been sought in Compton, a city less than 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles that announced a gang crackdown two years ago.

Mob Piru members have gained notoriety for their alleged links to Knight and Death Row, once home to artists such as Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.

Flo Rida Refuses To Get "Low"; Stays On Top For 5th Straight Week

Taking a page out of Alicia Keys' year ending streak, Flo Rida's "Low" continues to reign supreme on the Billboard Hot 100 for a fifth week.

The tracks at Nos. 2 and 3 on the singles chart -- Alicia Keys' "No One" and Timbaland's "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic -- remain in those positions for a third consecutive week, not posing much of a challenge to "Low."

But there's a new contender for the crown in the form of Chris Brown's "With You", which rises from No. 6 to No. 4 and is the fastest-growing track at digital outlets and on radio. The song sold 100,000 downloads.

Fergie's "Clumsy" rests at No. 5 on the Hot 100, as another Brown song, "Kiss Kiss" featuring T-Pain, drops from fourth position to No. 6 and Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" jumps from No. 13 to No. 7, marking her seventh top 10 ranking on the chart. Sean Kingston's "Take You There" is up from No. 10 to No. 8, while Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer" drops two rungs to No. 9. Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" rounds out the top 10 as it moves from eleventh slot to No. 10.

New Album At Top Of The Charts For 2008

There's an old face at the top of the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Mary J Blige has unseated Josh Groban with her new album, "Growing Pains". Alicia Keys "As I Am" follows in second, with Josh Groban "Noel" dropping to third.

NOW 26 stays in the top 5 at 4th, while Chris Brown "Exclusive" surges up to 5th. The Eagles "Long Road Out Of Eden" hovers at 6th, while Garth Brooks "The Ultimate Hits" makes a return to the Top 10. Country star Taylor Swift and her self-titled album stay at the 8th spot. Miley Cyrus "Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus falls from 5th to 9th. The biggest jump into the Top Ten goes to Colbie Callait "Coco", jumping up to 10th spot from 27th.

2008 Starts With Flo-Rida's "Low" Getting High

With the first chart for 2008 being released by Billboard, finally Alicia Keys has been de-throned. The top of the charts now belong to Flo-Rida's hit "Low". Keys and her single "No One" has dropped to second, while the Timbaland/OneRepublic track "Apologize" stays put at number 3. The fourth spot belongs to Chris Brown and T-Pain with "Kiss Kiss". Returning to the Top Ten to 5th is "Crank That (Soulja Boy) by Soulja Boy Tell'em.

The top ten is rounded out by Fergie's hit "Clumsy", Colbie Caillat and "Bubbly", Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer", a new comer to the top ten, Sara Bareilles with "Love Song" and dropping to tenth spot is Jordin Sparks "Tatoo".

Spears/Federline Lawyers In Court After Britney Hospitalized

Attorneys for Britney Spears and Kevin Federline were in court Friday for a closed-door meeting in the former couple's child custody battle after the pop star was hospitalized in a bizarre incident that brought police and paramedics to her home.

Tara Scott, representing Spears, and Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, spent about 30 minutes in chambers with court Commissioner Scott Gordon, who has been handling the custody case. They made no comments to reporters afterward.

A court hearing was scheduled later Friday.

Kaplan said through his publicist, Michael Sands, that it would be "inappropriate for him to speak to the media ... because of what's happened last night, because of the serious nature of what we've all read about."