Blogging It Like Its Hot

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

2008-03-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-11T15:47:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-02-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-26T12:52:00.000-08:00

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"

2008-02-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-29T10:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T13:15:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

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."

Jay-Z Will Step Down As Def Jam Prez

2007-12-26T12:46:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

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"

2007-12-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

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?

2007-12-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

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?

2007-12-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-05T15:32:00.001-08:00

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"

2007-12-05T15:22:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T10:32:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

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.

Akon Finally Charged In Fan-Tossing Incident

2007-11-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

Akon is facing criminal charges after a fan said she suffered a concussion when the hip-hop star tossed a teenager off the stage and onto her in the concert crowd.

Akon, 34, is scheduled to appear in Fishkill Town Court in Fishkill, N.Y. on Monday morning for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment, a violation, according to a news release from Police Chief Donald Williams.

Audience members said that during a June 3 show at Dutchess Stadium, a spectator lobbed something at Akon and that the singer asked the crowd to point out the culprit. A security guard picked out a 15-year-old and sent him up to the stage, where Akon hoisted him onto his shoulders and flung him into the crowd.

The boy landed on Abby Rosa, who told the Poughkeepsie Journal she was later found to have a concussion. She said she has hired a lawyer and spoken to Fishkill police.

Toby Keith Gets Southern Justice; Lawsuit Dismissed

2007-11-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

Toby Keith has kicked some ass out of the courtroom. A lawsuit brought against the country singer by songwriter Michael McLeod has been dropped, proving that Toby Keith still is "as good as he once was".

In a 2006 suit filed in federal court in Miami, the Key West, Fla.-based McCloud, whose real name is Michael Snyder, contended that Keith's 2003 hit "I Love This Bar," written by Keith and longtime collaborator Scotty Emerick, was "strikingly similar" to his own "Tourist Town Bar," according to a Dec. 2006 story in the Miami Herald.

The suit was filed against Keith, Emerick, Keith's label at the time, DreamWorks, and his publishing company, Tokeco Tunes.

"It is an awful thing to be accused wrongfully of copyright infringement," Keith said in a statement. "It goes to the core of what you are as a man, a singer/songwriter and an artist ... I was put in the terrible position of not being able to defend myself until the trial and I just could not wait for that day to come. I knew it would take no time at all for the case to be dismissed and it was, of course, with prejudice which means: He had no case whatsoever."

Possible next move for Toby Keith, stompin' a mud-hole in someone's pansy, city-lovin' ass.

Pregnant Aguilera Still Hot; Poses For Marie Claire

2007-11-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

Whoever said pregnant women can't be sexy sure didn't have the new cover of Marie Claire featuring an extremely pregnant Christina Aguilera in mind.

The 26-year-old singer is shown wearing a cropped jacket, hoop earrings and a ring on the cover of the January issue, on newsstands Dec. 11.

Christina became aware of her pregnancy during her latest tour.

"We were planning on starting to try after the tour. And so, I had gone off the Pill to prepare my body, because I didn't know how much time it would take. You've heard it takes some time — except with Power Egg and Super Sperm here," she says. "... I'm like, `Oh my god, can you believe it just happened?'"

Aguilera says she kept the baby news quiet for her fans' sake.

"I didn't want to make the audience uncomfortable, like, `Pregnant lady onstage! Is she going to be OK?' But I had to announce it to my band and my dancers, because I wanted to make sure they had my back," she says.

She adds: "Because I hadn't said anything, people thought I was trying to keep it this big, bad secret, and that's not the case at all. I just wasn't commenting. I'm not being like, `Hey everybody, I'm pregnant!' I'm not that girl."

Birdman Cruises High; Gets Arrested

2007-11-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Rapper Bryan "Birdman" Williams was among 16 people charged with possession of marijuana yesterday (Nov. 27) in Tennessee after the RV they were riding in was pulled over by police for making an improper lane change.

Kingsport Police Cpl. Tim Horne said he stopped the vehicle after seeing it force a tractor trailer into the emergency lane on Interstate 81.

Horne said he could smell marijuana from inside the rented RV and located about a pound of marijuana in a trash can in the kitchenette after obtaining consent to search the vehicle.

Williams, 38, his wife Brittany, 18, and his brother, Ronald Williams, 43, were each charged with possession of more than 1/2 ounce of marijuana as were 13 others, several of whom are also affiliated with the rap industry and Cash Money Records, which was founded by Bryan and Ronald Williams.

Kayne West and Evel Knievel Settle Lawsuit

2007-11-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

Kanye West and Evel Knievel have made amends.

The 69-year-old iconic motorcycle daredevil said he and West met at his Clearwater condo recently. They settled a federal lawsuit over the use of Knievel's trademarked image in a popular West music video.

Knievel sued West and his record company last year. He took issue with a 2006 music video for the song "Touch the Sky," in which the rapper takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and tries to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon.

West's attorneys argued the video amounted to satire, covered under the First Amendment.

"We settled the lawsuit amicably," Knievel said Tuesday. "I was very satisfied and so was he."

They agreed not to publicly discuss the terms of the settlement, he said. The two had agreed to mediation in July.

Gabriel Tesoriero, a spokesman for West, confirmed the settlement of the lawsuit, in an e-mail Tuesday.

In the lawsuit, Knievel claimed the "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damaged his reputation. And he accused the 29-year-old rapper of using the Knievel image to "promote his filth to the world."

Meeting West changed his mind, Knievel said.

"I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman," he said.

Knievel also expressed concern for West, who is grieving the sudden death of his mother earlier this month.

"I know he's had some tough times the past few weeks, and I hope things work out," Knievel said.

Looks like Evel is a nice guy after all.

Usher Is A Daddy

2007-11-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Usher is now the father of a baby boy. It is not known if he is a proud father, but he is a father none the less.

Usher's wife, Tameka Foster gave birth to their son, Usher Raymond V late Monday night in Atlanta. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces. He is the couple's first child. Foster, 37, has three children from a previous marriage.

"We are so happy and proud of our beautiful son. What a blessing!" Usher said in a statement provided Tuesday night by publicist Patti Webster.

Usher, 29, wed Foster, 37, in a cermony in September after calling off their original July date due to possible complications with Foster's pregnancy.

Winehouse Cancels Tour Dates

2007-11-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

Amy Winehouse has canceled all concerts and public appearances for the rest of the year on doctor's orders.
"The rigors involved in touring and the intense emotional strain that Amy has been under in recent weeks have taken their toll," said Winehouse representative Tracey Miller in a statement Tuesday. Miller also added,
"In the interests of her health and well-being, Amy has been ordered to take complete rest and deal with her health issues."

Insert "Rehab" comment here.

Michael Jackson and Brothers to Reunite for Tour

2007-11-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

After several meetings (which included Michael Jackson), the Jackson 5 have reunited for a 2008 World Tour.

Jermaine Jackson confirmed the reports telling the BBC,
"We feel we have to do it one more time. We owe that to the fans and to the public."

Critics have questioned whether or not The King of Pop will be involved. To that, Jermaine has said,
"He has to be, he is a Jackson. He was at the meetings. Michael will be involved."

Early reports are that even sister Janet Jackson may join her brothers. However, no word from Tito on his involvement in the meetings or tour. More on this story as it develops.

Hawthorne Heights Guitarist Dies at 26

2007-11-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

Casey Calvert, the 26-year-old guitarist for rock band Hawthorne Heights, was found dead on the band's tour bus outside Washington D.C. on Saturday. The cause of death is undetermined, pending an autopsy. The band released a statement on their website:

''Today is probably the worst day ever. It's with our deepest regrets that we have to write this. Casey Calvert passed away in his sleep last night. We found out this afternoon before sound-check. We've spent the entire day trying to come to grips with this and figure out as much as possible. At this time we're not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed. We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable. As soon as we know more we will let you know. Sincerely, Hawthorne Heights: Eron, JT, Micah and Matt.'

Albums Droppin' This Week

2007-11-26T12:46:00.001-08:00

Albums Droppin' on Tuesday, Nov. 27th/2007

Pitbull - Boatlift

Mudvayne - By The People, For The People

Quiet Riot Frontman Dead at 52

2007-11-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

The frontman for 80's hair metal band Quiet Riot has died. Kevin DuBrow, age 52, was found dead at his home in Las Vegas on Sunday evening. Cause of death is unknown and an autopsy will be performed at a later date.

DuBrow and Quiet Riot skyrocketed to the top of the charts in the early 80's with the hugely popular song, "Cum on Feel the Noize".

Other band members are shaken up by the tragedy and have requested respect as they mourn the passing of their fellow bandmember and friend.

Not The First Time T.I. Played With Guns

2007-11-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

On Monday, a federal prosecutor has filed documents showing that rapper T.I. has previously violated gun laws by carrying firearms and silencers while being a convicted felon.

T.I. (real name: Clifford Harris), faces federal charges stemming from allegedly purchasing unregistered firearms and silencers back on Oct. 13th. T.I. is charged with possession of unregistered firearms and silencers as well as possession of firearms by a convicted felon.