JAY-Z: "Maybe After I Finish The Tour I'll Start Another Album"

Rapper Jay-Z recently said that work on his Blueprint III follow-up will be underway after his winter tour ends.

Jay says he is still perfecting his touring performances skills.
Mr. Carter tells The Associated Press that he has started thinking about his twelfth studio album. "Maybe after I finish [the 'BP3'] tour I'll start another album," he reveals, adding, "Maybe at the end of the year. We'll see if the inspiration hits me." But for now, he's concentrating on perfecting the second leg of his arena tour. "I've been working on my live show for 10 years now, just trying to get it better and better. I used to come out with just a DJ, now I got a band. The production's gotten bigger and the lighting guy takes off his shoes and he plays to the beat," he laughs. "The whole thing is being upgraded every single year."

Earlier this month, the rapper said he only had a few ideas toward his next solo project.
"I don't know," Jay answered when asked about a release date. "I didn't really start yet. I got a couple of scraps and I got a couple of ideas. I didn't really go into the studio yet. I've been toying with ideas and direction and things like that. I got one crazy record. To be honest with you, it's crazy. I got one and we'll build from there. Whether it comes out this year or next year, it depends on the music and how it's coming out. I don't really have any dates."


Last month, Jay said he had not yet fully engaged onto the album.
"Maybe. I got some ideas," the rapper said about a new album in 2010. "I didn't start yet, I just got a bunch of ideas. Maybe if I get into a nice zone...I'm on my way, just ideas."

Prior to its release last September, the rapper explained the significance of offering fans a new sound with The Blueprint III.
"I keep using this phrase 'new classic,' because it has classic sounds and instrumentation, like how music was recorded before. That's why the whole album cover [features] white instrumentsjust left in the corner, no color. It's all about the instruments. It feels classic in that approach, but it's new subject matter, new flows. It's not like an Amy Winehouse thing: a take on what was already done. I mean, if you listen to 'D.O.A.' just the sax alone, those type of sounds. The subject matter is right now. It's a hot-button issue right now."

Lil Wayne & Shanell Address Pregnancy Reports

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne and Young Money's Shanell aka SNL have addressed recent rumors claiming they are expecting a child together.


According to Wayne's Rebirth co-writer, the pregnancy reports stem from past gossip.
"Basically it came from a corny rumor that escalated," Shanell said in an interview. "First I was dating him, then I was his girlfriend, then we were getting married, then we were settling down and now I'm pregnant. It's so foolish we've haven't paid it any attention...All the rest of the rumors were kinda funny except that one. When my mother called me like, 'Um?,' [I was] like, 'No! Are you serious?' I don't care about the rumors, but I just want people to know that I'm not pregnant. I've got an album coming out, I'm a dancer, I'm in shape and children are not anywhere in my future."

Wayne, resorting to a UStream recording, has also denied the pregnancy reports.
"Let me clear up this rumor, man. Shanell is not pregnant from me," Wayne explained via UStream over the weekend. "Shanell isn't even pregnant! Period. Clear that up right now, man. Everybody talking about Shanell pregnant by -- No, she not even pregnant. Period."

In addition to having a baby by reality star Antonia "Toya" Carter and singer Nivea, Wayne recently had a child with actress Lauren London.
In an exclusive statement to HipHollywood.com, Actress Lauren London confirmed the birth of her baby boy on Wednesday (September 9). According to Lauren London's publicist, Jocelyn R. Coleman of Favor PR, "Lauren London and Dwayne Carter welcomed their healthy baby boy into the world on 09-09-09. Everyone is happy and well." (Hip Hollywood)

Aside from being a member of Young Money, Shanell helped Wayne pen his experimental rock album, Rebirth.
"On the Rebirth album, a few of the tracks I worked on were one, 'Prom Queen,'" Shanell revealed in an interview. "'I'm So Over You,' which is on the bonus edition. A song called 'Runnin'' and 'American Star.' I really really like 'Runnin'' and how that song came about, I actuallyw was, I'd just jumped in the booth and started singing and screaming and Wayne actually liked it and said, 'Let me put a verse on it.' It was gonna be something I was probably gonna keep myself but it works out kinda the way he put it together."

Lupe Fiasco Ducks From Jay-Z's Fame, "I Don't Want To Be Worth $400 Million"

Grammy-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco has opened up about his rap image and explained why he does not strive to achieve the same fame as Jay-Z.
In addition to popularity, Fiasco also discussed his loyal following of fans.
''There's a misunderstanding with my fanbase,'' he said in an interview. ''People [at Warner] feel they know my fans more than I do. They want me to step out of my comfort zone and step into theirs. I don't have necessarily the celebrity success they want me to have but it's more social success and being able to speak at a college about world affairs. That's a success, to me. 'I don't want to be Jay-Z and be worth $400 million and perform on every awards show. It's getting in touch with somebody who needs to improve their self-esteem. As opposed to driving a Bentley and putting some chains on.''

Last December, Lupe addressed the perception of "selling out" to fans.
"Hi guys...Lupe Here...," he wrote in a blog posting. "There seems to be a lot...A LOT...of misconception and misguided info floating around the net...so for the sake of clarity and so that everyone (HOPEFULLY) will be on the same page let me reaffirm and debunk some things and just turn down the general noise that is surrounding Lupe Fiasco...thats me...My Third Album is Titled "LASERS" not "WE ARE LASERS" or "LUPE.N.D."...MY NEXT ALBUM IS NOT TITLED "LUPE.N.D."..."LASERS" is NOT my last and final album..."LASERS" does NOT drop in 2009..."LASERS" does NOT HAVE A RELEASE DATE YET..."SOLAR MIDNITE" is NOT a single off of "LASERS"...Nor was it intended to be apart of "LASERS" project..."SOLAR MIDNITE" was exclusively done at the request of the Twilight: New Moon Team to be apart of their film, motion picture soundtrack and as a vehicle to promote the film...NOT TO PROMOTE "LASERS"...I produced "SOLAR MIDNITE" I'm not SELLING OUT by doing a song for NEW MOON...People thought I "SOLD OUT" when I did "Kick, Push"...I LOVE "SOLAR MIDNITE"..."SOLAR MIDNITE" is NOT a HIP-HOP RECORD..." (Lupe Fiasco's Blog)

According to Lupe, he is unsatisfied with the recognition he has received as of late and wants to gain the public's utmost respect for his emcee skills.
"The last six months, it's been like, 'I gotta really, really go out there and show that I'm nicer than all of them,' " Lupe explained in an interview. "It's like, 'All right, so be it. If it takes three more albums to do it, then so be it.' That's what I got left with Atlantic. Three more after Lasers. I'm already done with two. The mixtape is coming Thanksgiving. It'll be another mixtape after that and an album after that. It's really to get that status and lock it in and [and have people] be like, 'Look at this positive dude, the underdog. The positive one who came and murdered all these dudes. And he's there, and he's good.' I'm finnin' to house every single mode and arena I can get into. If y'all had somewhere where it's live performances, I'm finnin to have the best live performances. If it's mixtapes, I'm finnin' to have the best mixtapes. If it's albums again, it's gonna be the best verse. If it's the best dressed, I'm going hard as well." (MTV)

Lupe is most known for entering the rap game around 2006 with close ties to Jay-Z and Kanye West.
Thanks in part to the vocal support of Jay-Z, L.A. Reid signed Fiasco as a solo artist to Arista, but before anything of significance was able to happen (only a promo single and a couple guest appearances were set up), Reid was fired, leaving the MC without a label. Fiasco eventually landed at Atlantic. Preceded by the single "Kick, Push," as well as several mixtapes and an appearance on Kanye West's "Touch the Sky," the album Food & Liquor was set to surface during early 2006, though an unfinished version leaked during the spring, pushing its official release back to September instead. The album earned Fiasco three Grammy nominations. A highly conceptualized follow-up, The Cool, was released in December 2007.

Porn Star Denies Pregnancy With Jay-Z, 50 Cent Or Diddy's Baby

Adult film star Jazmine Cashmere has released a statement denying rapper Jay-Z of being the rumored artist who got her pregnant.


Speaking via Twitter, Cashmere cleared up the confusion.
There have been a few things cleared up with recent tweets, we know that Jazmine is 6 and a half months pregnant, the tweet which confirmed this read "Yes I am pregnant, 6 and half months in fact.. And I am pregnant by WHO GIVES A F**K!! lol But the baby is great and very healthy thank you.".Another tweet confirmed that Jay-Z is not the father, nor is any other rapper from New York, this tweet read "NO I AM NOT PREGNANT BY JAY Z OR ANY OTHER RAPPER FROM NEW YORK.."

Initial speculation suggested Hov, who is married to Beyonce Knowles, was the alleged father.
Yesterday the story surfaced that porn star Jazmine Cashmere is pregnant and that the father is a popular NY rapper, there is even talk that the rapper is Jay-Z. However, she is pregnant as this photo proves, but she has yet to say who the father is or to deny the rumors that the father is Jay-Z. We expected a statement from Jay-Z this morning about how he is definitely not the father, but maybe the notion that he could be is so ridiculous that he doesn't even feel the need to address those rumors.

Additional speculation said rappers 50 Cent and Diddy were also possible fathers to Cashmere's child.
Porn star Jazmine Cashmere is reportedly pregname and rumour has it that the baby's father is a popular NY rapper. She is happy to be in the headlines and the publicity from the stories alone are likely to help her career. The rumours are spreading around the internet that she has become pregnant by either P Diddy, Jay-Z, 50 Cent or even Nas.

Jay and Beyonce were named the top-earning couple in Hollywood earlier this year.
Music duo Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles earned $122 million between June 2008 and June 2009, landing them atop the publication's annual Top-Earning Couples list in Hollywood for the second year in a row. The couple married quietly in 2008 and are responsible for everything from music ("Single Ladies" and "Empire State of Mind") to clothing lines, worldwide tours, and product endorsements (like American Express and Budweiser)

Chris Brown Gives Tiger Woods Another Shot, "I Know My Fans Gave Me A Second Chance"

R&B singer Chris Brown has displayed his support for golfer Tiger Woods in light of recent adultery allegations and the resulting public fallout.

From Brown's perspective, every person should be given a second opportunity in life.
"I know my fans gave me a second chance," he explained in an interview. "I hope he gets back on the field and does his thing, 'cause he is the best at it...Whatever [Woods'] personal life is, and this goes for me and him, his personal life is his personal life. Nobody has the right to place judgment or make any judgment on anybody else's personal life when they're not directly involved with them. I think people have to realize that everybody's human. The good thing is, if you learn from your mistakes, then that's a part of life. I think that's a part of living and learning from mistakes and becoming a better person and growing from situation."

Woods' family conflict has already become the subject of spoofs by rappers including Maino and Ludacris.
Produced by the Neptunes, "Sexting" finds Luda satirizing Woods' stay in sex rehab by imagining a conversation with the teacher who's trying to help him get "unhooked on a**". Unfortunately, the beat doesn't provide much of a lift -- sorry to disappoint anyone who was hoping for another "Money Maker". "Hey this is Luda, okay? I need you to do me a 'huge' favor. Um, ca-can you please take your name off of your phone? My girl went through my cell phone and she may be calling you. So if you can please take your name off of that and just have it as a number on the voicemail, okay? You gotta do this for me. Huge. Quickly!"

Rapper Jim Jones shared his stance on Woods after the golfer publicly apologized to the media and fans last week.
"If I had a billion I woulnt apologize for sh*t," Jones wrote following Tiger's statement on Friday, "especialy not 2 th media my wife kids mayb depends on how my billion make me feel tht day lol."

Last Friday, Woods explained the seriousness behind his situation during a press conference.
"While I have always tried to be private, I have a few things to say. Elin and i have started to work though this. As she has told me, my real apology to her will not be in words but in action, however what we say to each other will be private. I am also aware of the pain I have caused everyone in this room I have let you down and let down my fans, for many my behavior has been a major disappointment, my behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners ,and everyone involved in my business, but most importantly to the young people we influence, I apologize."

Trina Laughs Off Rumors Of Romance With Soulja Boy, "No We Weren't Grinding"

Rapper Trina has denied speculation that she was romantically involved with 19 year-old rapper Soulja Boy Tell Em.

Despite being photographed with the rapper on a jet ski last year, Trina said she has only offered him support with his music.
"Actually I was in Jamaica, I was supposed to perform on the Jamaica, I think it was like the Jamaica Dance Fest or whatever," Trina told radio personality Angela Yee. "And Soulja Boy was supposed to perform on the same show, and I just recorded a record for him which is called 'Like That.' And they were trying to shoot some scenes for his video for that record so it was all fun, we all went out. We were just skiing. We were supposed to do the whole sky diving thing or whatever, and I was just looking up at that balloon like 'I don't think I'm getting up there,' but it was really cool. I got a chance to perform, it rained, we just had a good time...No we weren't grinding, Angie. [laughs]"

Speculation on the two dating began to circulate online last fall.
Are rappers Soulja Boy & Trina trying to tell us something? The two were spotted jet skiing in Jamaica together, looking rather cozy. Not to mention they were spotted backstage at last week's BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. So, the question is...Are they an item or just two really good friends?... (True Exclusives)

Trina recently joined forces with rap mogul Diddy's Circoc Vodka brand.
"Things are gonna be real big," Diddy said about Trina. "She's an official Ciroc girl...Ciroc is gonna be promoting her album, she's gonna be helping us, we gonna be doing it together. We got a new partnership that we rocking with but most importantly, the record and a video is off the chain...You gonna see us performing the joint live, too. She's gonna have the full-length chinchilla and just be buckey-naked with some stickies on. You know what I'm saying, because the body is thorough. Believe that, she's in the gym!" (Slip N Slide Records)


Outside of romance rumors, Soulja Boy is working on a new album and book.
HipHopRX.com has learned that Soulja Boy, who we all know as Soulja Boy Tell Em the rapper, will soon be known as Soulja Boy Tell Em the rapper/author as the self-made teen millionaire will soon be releasing his first book. Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way on July 28, 1990, has written his first book -- Teenage Millionaire -- on being a teen millionaire. The book "Teenage Millionaire (DeAndre Way)" is set to be released none other than on Soulja Boy's birthday, July 28, 2010. (Hip Hop RX)

Soulja Boy On Teenage Success, "Even 50 Cent Told Me He Wish He Could Have Did It At My Age"

Rapper Soulja Boy Tell Em has pointed out how artists like 50 Cent have spoken highly about the level of success he achieved as a teenager.
From Soulja Boy's perspective, age is his biggest weapon within the music industry.
"Even 50 told me himself that he wish he could have did it at my age," Soulja Boy said in a video. "Like, look at his age and look at my age. That's the advantage that I got over everybody because I'm so young. And that's what makes n*ggas wanna try me. You feel me? Because I'm a young n*gga but sh*t ain't going down like that." (Soulja Boy)
The rapper's success has also been acclaimed by rap newcomer Drake.
"Soulja Boy is the smartest artist of our generation," Drizzy said in an interview last summer, "I think period and I think out of anybody. Whoever it is, whether it's him or his team or the people around him, whoever has the thoughts to do the things he does, is genius and I'm so happy for him." (YouTube)

Soulja Boy was also praised by rap pioneer Scarface last year.
"I think the Internet is what's wrong with rap right now," he explained in an interview. "Because it's no way to filter garbage. You say some dumb-a** sh*t, and you get a million hits on your Web site...And Soulja Boy is not included...He getting money and he's my son's age. I like the way he do it. I think he got the potential to be the next Russell [Simmons]. I'm giving him some big-a** shoes to stand beside but if that kid really focus on finding talent and marketing that sh*t like he is now at f*cking 18, 19-years-old, I ain't mad at it."

Last spring, the rapper said he was well-aware of the amount of haters within the industry.
"You always gonna face different chapters that you go through in life, period, with whatever you're doing," he explained in an interview. "Haters come with every job and whatever you're doing in life, so you just got to do what you do. I just outshined all my haters. I done had beef with a lot of different artists, I done had a lot of artists done had different opinions about my music but at the end of the day though, it's gonna take a whole lot to stop me. I done ended a lot of n*ggas' careers, you feel me? And before I get out the game, I'ma cause hell."

50 Cent To Release Lloyd Banks & Tony Yayo Albums Independently

G-Unit leader 50 Cent will be dropping new solo albums from Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks this summer.

According to Yayo, the projects will mark their first post-Interscope releases.
"Everybody all knows, me and [Lloyd] Banks are not on Interscope anymore," Yayo explained in an interview. "We're not on a major anymore. Me and Banks are dropping two albums in the summer independently, through a deal that 50 [Cent] is conjuring up for us. It feels good to know that I have no red tape put on anything...If I had to deal with Interscope, I'd have to deal with the label and they'd have to sign off. Now I can do what I want. It's exciting to work with new guys. Some of these kids shooting video are [teenagers]. It's new energy. A lot of these labels need new energy - people who are willing to bust they butt, go in and do what they've got to do."
Earlier this month, the rapper explained why he preferred to be on an independent label.
"If I was still on Interscope, I would say I would probably have to wait a long process to get my mixtape on iTunes," Yayo explained to DJ Green Lantern. "And now my mixtape's on iTunes, go pick it up -- I get my bread faster instead of waiting on the label to make moves for me. Them days is dead...We're gonna drop these independent records this summer, it's more money for me anyway, so, it's a beautiful thing. It's the do it yourself [era]. Eh yo, all those Hype Williams days are over. N*ggas used to spend half a million for a video. Now -- my videos are done in five minutes." (DJ Green Lantern TV)

The Unit's Lloyd Banks previously explained why he broke away from Interscope Records.
"I was ready to make a move," Banks said about leaving the powerhouse label. "I'm a brand-new engine. If anything, it's their loss. It's been a dark shadow cast upon that. That's why you hear [Funkmaster] Flex on the radio [boycotting Interscope], because it's an aura created around that machine, and the artists automatically get smacked in the head...I felt it's time for me to go somewhere where it's not biased and I get a fair shot. There's a lot of stuff on the table right now. You don't wanna speak about it until it gets ironed out all the way...Everything happened for a reason. I feel like I'm so blessed because of my work ethic and how easy the music is coming to me. It feels so good to be an independent artist with a brand. I have direct deals with iTunes and things of that nature, where it's direct money coming to me. It's 50 percent of me that's not pressed to be on a major

Tony Yayo Says Bun B, Twista On Next Album, Sha Money XL To A&R

In late 2009, Tony Yayo, along with Juelz Santana was instrumental in bringing together two of the bigger Hip Hop brands in G-Unit and The Diplomats. 50 Cent's right hand man dating back to the '90s explained to HipHopDX last week, how in that same year, he also stressed a union with one of the more respected underground Hip Hop emcees of his Queens burough, Cormega. The two made "Streets Keep Callin' Me," a video collaboration.
"With Cormega, I've always been a fan of his music," said Tony Yayo to DX "I feel like he was one of the guys that didn't get a fair deal [with Def Jam]. He got locked up, plus [The Firm situation] with Nas and all that; I always followed his career. One of my favorite records from him was 'Dead Man Walking,' 'Angel Dust' was another one for me. I always liked the beats he picked and street-edge he had. Then I followed the way he went the independent route. He was one of the first artists to really be successful going the independent route, and make money off of it." Besides artistic craft, he's a hometown favorite of the G-Unit rapper. "He's fire. He's definitely a Queens representative."
Yayo continued, on how the two reformed hustlers have parallels within the streets. "I remember meeting him a long time ago, through one of my partners in the hood. A lot of the people he has in the streets, I know too - like my friend Dead Eye, shouts to him. He's an artist from Far Rockaway; he's locked up right now. You know when an artist is really in the streets. I try to keep myself humble and grounded in the streets. I don't ever want to lose that."
Additionally, Tony Yayo revealed details on his forthcoming official sophomore solo album, due on a to-be-announced label this summer. Tony revealed, "I was talking to David Banner. He said, 'The best thing for you, Yayo, is to make tour music. That's where the money's at. Ain't too much in the record sales. I just want to make tour music and music being me, and music that's gonna get me ahead. I have a joint with Twista that I worked on; Sha Money [XL] co-A&R'd the project. I got a joint with Bun B. I'm just going in different directions, making records people don't think I can make. People are used to the street element from me, but you gotta remember 'So Seductive' and 'Pimpin'' are my biggest records." Although he'll be doing it without Interscope, Yayo says the blueprint remains the same. "It's all about makin' them big hit records. That's the direction I'm going for."

Shyne, Kanye West No Longer Appear On DJ Khaled's Victory

The tracklisting for DJ Khaled's Victory album has changed a bit since first being released in December. Amazon has updated the planned tracks for the March 2 album on E1 Entertainment, and for reasons unknown, several high-profile appearances have been removed or altered.
The new tentative tracklisting is as follows:
1. Intro (feat. Diddy & Busta Rhymes)
2. All I Do Is Win (feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross)
3. Put Your Hands Up (feat. Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Plies & Schife)
4. Fed Up (feat. Lil Wayne, Usher, Drake, Young Jeezy & Rick Ross)
5. Victory (feat. Nas & John Legend)
6. Ball (feat. Jim Jones & Schife)
7. Rockin All My Chains On (feat. Birdman, Bun B & Soulja Boy Tell 'Em)
8. Killing Me (feat. Buju Banton, Busta Rhymes & Bounty Killer)
9. Bringing Real Rap Back (feat. Rum)
10. Bring The Money Out (feat. Nelly, Lil Boosie & Ace Hood)
11. On My Way (feat. Kevin "KC" Cossom, Ace Hood, BallGreezy, Desloc, Piccalo, Iceberg, Bali, Gunplay, Rum & Young Cash)
12. Rep My City (feat. Pitbull & Jarvis)

While several tracks were added, including a Busta Rhymes vow of support on the intro and Lil Wayne has been added to "Fed Up" pairing him with fellow southern Rap titans Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, others have been removed. "All My Life" , billed to be Shyne's first new verse since 2004, was removed. Both Kanye West and Jadakiss were also pulled from the track "Victory," which will still include Nas and John Legend. Fat Joe also no longer appears on the album, having been replaced by Ace Hood on "Bring The Money Out."

UPDATE: With his reported million-dollar Def Jam deal inked, Shyne has been quite the talk this week. DJ Khaled, sitting down with blogger Jesse Maguire, explained why Shyne's "All My Life" is not on Victory.
The deejay told Jesse the removal had to do with the song's leak and subsequent spoiled surprise. "Some hacker actually leaked it and it messed me up because when they leaked it, the publishers on the production of the track -- came at me and tried to come at me on some legal stuff so I couldn't even use it on my album. That's why I hate these hackers," said the Terror Squad deejay. The top-selling deejay did find solace in knowing that "we fed the streets."

Victory releases March 2 on E1 Entertainment.

Lady Gaga on decoy mission

Lady Gaga paid for three hotel suites because she was having an 'identity crisis'.
The 'Paparazzi’ singer insisted on extreme secrecy when she checked into Liverpool’s Hope Street Hotel – where she stayed while performing at the English city’s Liverpool Echo Arena earlier this week – and even hired decoy transport to ensure no one saw her.

A source said: 'Lady Gaga loves drama, instead of hiring bedrooms at one of the city’s five star hotels she decided to hire suites at three of Liverpool’s most expensive.

'She demanded to be driven through the secret back entrance of her hotel away from snooping eyes.

'Later she sent a fleet of silver Mercedes to the hotel entrance and to a nearby restaurant as a decoy to fool fans and paparazzi.

'Meanwhile, she stayed holed up in her suite enjoying tea and toast.'

A hotel source added to the Daily Star newspaper: 'Lady Gaga didn’t want to be seen by anyone as she was having an identity crisis. She said she wasn’t looking or feeling like Gaga.'

As well as her own luxury suite, the eccentric singer also booked rooms at the city’s Malmaison and Radisson hotels, ensuring all of her staff got to spend the night in luxury surroundings.

The source added: 'She told staff, 'Only the best will do.’ She booked the largest suites in the city.

'One of her flashy suites included a four-poster king-size bed with views of the River Mersey, a huge wooden bath in the living room, a 42in plasma TV and a double walk-in monsoon shower.'

Jay-Z & Beyonce in Croatia as Bodyguard attack Paparazzi

A few Paparazzis chased Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles in a Croatia journey at a local port.

The Bodyguard had an argument with the Paparazzis, and later got for a bit violent with one of them. After the Paparazzi throw his tripod over Jay & the bodyguard - The security guy seemed to be almost hitting the Paparazzi while Jay is trying to calm him down ("Stop! Stop! Chill!").

Story ended with the Paparazzi thrown the tripod into the water.

The Bodyguard announced "not guilty" and voided any jail.

Ruff Ryder Re-emerges on "The Deal"

Ruff Ryder Entertainment, one of the most successful labels in hip-hop history, invades BET's "The Deal" this week.

First, co-founder Waah Dean spoke to "The Deal" about building his empire, among other things. Next up, MeMpHHiTz and DJ Diamond Kuts chop it up with one of the label's more recent acquisitions, Murder Mook, will be on tomorrow's show (Feb. 25). Meanwhile, veteran Ruff Ryder Drag-On will be appearing on "The Deal" will kick the weekend off by appearing on the show this Friday (Feb. 27).

In related news, Nicki Minaj, Wyclef Jean, Snoop Dogg and Waka Flocka Flame are all scheduled to appear on "The Deal" before the end of the month. "The Deal" featuring Murder Mook (Feb. 25) and Drag-On (Feb. 27) airs at 3 am on BET.

Faith Evans Sued Over Biggie Home Videos

Faith Evans has some explaining to do. Formerly married to Biggie Smalls (born Christopher Wallace), Evans is being sued by Kaushi Entertainment for not handing over several private home videos of the Brooklyn MC as previously agreed.

Filed on Tuesday (Feb. 23) in L.A. County Superior Court, Kaushi's lawsuit states that both parties struck a deal that would have Kaushi pay Evans $30K for the home movies.

While the $30K was delivered to Evans, the videos were not. Kaushi is now demanding that Evans hand over $1,000,000 for not holding up her end of the deal. Representatives for Faith Evans have yet to respond to the suit.

Lupe Fiasco Set To Write First Novel

Rihanna and Soulja Boy aren’t the only ones penning books this year. Atlantic Records’ Lupe Fiasco is gearing up to release the first tome of his career which will revolve around a window washer.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper explained to 3News New Zeleand that penning a fiction novel derives from telling stories as a child. “I started as a writer, since I was little kid,” Lupe said. “I've been telling stories and Hip-Hop has been an extension of me telling stories so it's kind of like me putting it in a more traditional form as far as a book.”

Interestingly enough, besides releasing an LP, Lupe is using his book to guide his creative energy in the right direction. “There are other ways besides putting out an album that allow me to channel my creative energy and I'm writing a book about a window washer,” Lupe revealed.

A release date and title for Lupe’s fictional piece have yet to be determined.

Drake Explains Why He and Nicki Minaj Declined XXL Magazine Freshmen Cover

To let Drake tell it, he and Nicki Minaj aren't industry freshmen anymore. Young Money’s bread winners have been going strong for well over a year with separate critically acclaimed mixtapes, arena tours, big name features and high profiled co-signs.

Since their meteoric rise, Drake and Nicki's absence from XXL Magazine's second Freshman cover, an issue that highlights 10 promising rap rookies, has been heavily discussed.


With the third installment of XXL’s coveted list approaching, Drake and Nicki Minaj will not be sharing the cover with the industry’s “New Breed of Hustlers.” “Technically, we were freshmen when they didn’t put us on," Drake told Imflashy.com. "So now, I just feel like we’re returning the favor.”

Rick Ross Ex Girlfriend Sues 50 Cent Over Sex Tape

50 Cent and Rick Ross’ beef has just reached a new level. According to the Associated Press, Ross’ former girlfriend Lastonia Leviston has filed a suit against 50 for illegally releasing a sex tape she's featured in, last year.

Fif (born Curtis Jackson) posted the video on BooBooTV in hopes of humiliating Ross during their heated battle.

Filed yesterday (Feb.25) in a New York City courthouse, Leviston states she suffered emotional distress from the release of the tape which was recorded in 2008 with her then lover.

50, who is currently touring in Europe has yet to comment on the matter. There's no word on whether or not Ross had a hand in her filing the suit.

T.I. Makes First Public Appearance During Alzheimers Fundraiser in Atlanta

The King’s back. T.I.(born Cliforrd Harris) couldn’t stay away too long as he made his first public appearance alongside his fiancé, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle for “The Lover OF Our Fathers” fundraiser for Alzherimers’s research at Atlanta's Opera last night (Feb. 22).

BET cameras were on hand to film Cottle's "Tiny & Toya" reality show. Surprising a flock of attendees, including Pleaure P, BET host, Memphitz, music producer, Don Vito, Diamond from Crime Mob, Rasheeda and others, T.I. addressed the crowd, briefly towards the end of the ceremony. “I am very well," he offered. "Very happy to be seen."


At the end of the evening, he surprised Tiny with a brand new 2010 blue Porsche Panamera wrapped in a bright red bow. Tiny, whose been eyeing the expensive automobile for quite some time, was elated to have the king back on her side. “I’m so glad to have him home,” Tiny beamed.

Last December, T.I. was released from an Arkansas federal prison after being sentenced 366 days behind bars after pleading guilty to federal weapons charges. Tip is presently finishing the remainder of his shortened sentence in a halfway house in Atlanta.

50 Cent to Lose 65 Pounds for Next Movie Role

About a month after 50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) wraps up his 28 city international excursion, which begins today (Feb. 23), G-Unit’s head honcho will commence filming a new movie project titled “Things Fall Apart.”

For the film, Fif will shed 65 pounds to fit the role of a college football star who’s been diagnosed with cancer. In addition to starring in the flick, Fif also co-wrote the screenplay and will have his film company, Cheetah Vision Films produce the project.


This is isn’t the first time Jackson shed a little weight for a movie role. Back in January of 2008, it was reported that Fif cut down some of his muscles for the role in “Streets of Blood,” a movie that placed the rapper alongside film veterans Sharon Stone and Val Kilmer.

Alicia Keys to Headline Essence Music Festival

Alicia Keys is ready to takeover New Orleans. Continuing her successful 2010 run, Alicia has been tapped to headline the 2010 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this summer.

Joining Alicia at Essence will be the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, R&B heartthrob, Trey Songz, Keri Hilson, Melanie Fiona, Mary Mary, LL Cool J, Mint Condition, Joe, Charlie Wilson, Gladys Knight, Raphael Saadiq, Lalah Hathaway and Laura Izibor.

The four-day festival will begin on Thursday, July 1 and conclude on Sunday July 4. Essence and company will takeover the New Orleans Superdome with various exhibits and an assortment of performances throughout the venue. For tickets, head over to EssenceMusicFestival.com.

Madonna's toy boy Jesus Luz has signed a record deal

The '4 Minutes' singer has used her sizeable influence to help the Brazilian model launch a pop career, and has even agreed to allow her former label Warner Brothers to use some of her iconic back catalogue in adverts in return for signing him.

Jesus' first single, entitled 'We Came From Light', will be released in the summer - the same time a handful of Madonna's classic songs, including 'Vogue' and 'Like A Prayer', will be licensed for a major advertising campaign in the US.

A source said: "Madonna was determined to give Jesus all the help she can. She holds a lot of sway at Warners, where she had a deal until very recently. But getting him on the books wasn't completely plain-sailing. There was a little give and take between her and execs, but a compromise was eventually settled upon."

The 51-year-old pop superstar – who has been in an on/off relationship with 23-year-old Jesus for over a year – has also drafted in the expertise of the legendary house music producer Victor Calderone.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Madonna really wants Jesus' career to take off. She's been going through her Filofax and putting him in contact with as many of her influential pals as she can.

"She's worked with Victor for a very long time and he understands just what she likes. Having him work on Jesus' tracks will give them a cool cachet which is essential to building a clubland buzz."

Miley Cyrus to leave boyfriend at home on Awards trip

Miley Cyrus won’t be taking her boyfriend to the Academy Awards.
The 'Hannah Montana’ actress – who is set to present an award at the forthcoming Oscars – is reportedly worried her appearance at the prestigious ceremony will be overshadowed if she is accompanied by Australian actor Liam Hemsworth.

A source revealed: 'Liam’s a pretty low-key guy anyway, he doesn’t mind not going.'

However, Miley won’t be walking down the red carpet alone at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre on March 7.

Her representative said: 'She’s taking her mom, Tish.'

Miley and Liam have never officially confirmed their romance, though the 17-year-old 'Hannah Montana’ star has previously admitted her closeness to the 19-year-old actor has helped boost her confidence.

She said: 'We've decided that any type of relationship that we have, we will always just keep it very down low. First and foremost, we are best friends, so that's what I tell people all the time

"All you want is for one person to say, 'You did a really good job today.' Or, 'You look really beautiful,' or, 'I was really moved by that.' You just want one person to make you feel good about something you're doing."

Dolly Parton has no faith in celebrity marriages

Dolly Parton doesn’t believe celebrity marriages last.

The '9 To 5’ singer claims her 44-year union with spouse Carl Dean works so well because he stays out of the spotlight and they never need to compete with one another.

She said: 'There are so many break-ups that the names pass me by but it makes me think, if you want to escape the spotlight why marry another famous person? It’s never going to work.

'You’re either in competition or your priorities are different. Your schedules will always clash so you’ll never see each other.

'My husband is a homebody and has nothing to do with the celebrity world. We’ve been married 44 years and have worked so well together because we’re not in the same business.'

Dolly admits she doesn’t think she and Carl would still be together if he had tried to embark on a career in showbusiness.

She added: 'I met my husband before I became a star and he doesn’t care about any of it.

'If I’d married someone in the same business, it would never have lasted.

'Even though he’s intrigued by showbusiness, he’d never want to be in it.'

Coldplay ready new album

Chris Martin has confirmed that there is a new Coldplay album on the way this year.

Fansite Coldplaying.com has advised Undercover that Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland confirmed the new record on TV Globo last night in Brazil.

In announcing the fifth Coldplay studio album, Martin said it will be coming, 'Hopefully this Christmas".

The band has been recording and the sessions are under maximum security. "There are only two people in the whole building who know how to open all the recording files. Even we (Coldplay) don't know how to do it. We couldn't even steal our own music. You would have to be a computer genius and a great burglar to get into the building, and download it, and mix it," Martin said.

The last Coldplay album was 'Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends’ in 2008. Later that year, a revised edition titled 'Prospekt’s March’ featuring additional tracks from the sessions and some more was released.

In May 2009 Coldplay also released the free live album 'LeftRightLeftRight’ as a download.

The yet-to-be titled album began life in a London studio in December 2009 under the guidance of producer Brian Eno.

Timbaland likes to take musical risks

The producer and singer, who has worked with Katy Perry, Missy Elliott and Nelly Furtado, admits he takes inspiration from all over the world.

He said: "I'm definitely a risk taker with my music. I like to challenge the new sounds.

"If I can challenge whatever's out there, then I'm good.

"My style is to take something unexpected and make it into a hit. That's what I do. I have ideas whirring around my head all the time.

"I listen to a lot of weird music. I go to India, yeah. I know Indian people. I know somebody in every culture. I go overseas and gather my sound."

The 38-year-old Grammy Award winner - real name Timothy Zachary Mosley - also claims to have taken inspiration from the Black Eyed Peas song 'I Gotta Feeling' for his track with Katy Perry, 'If We Ever Meet Again'.

Discussing the auto-tuned vocals, he told Culture magazine: "I'm not trying to be the best singer, and I like that it's not perfect.

"I really wanted a song like 'I Gotta Feeling' that would give people that same great feeling when they heard it."

He also suggests that retirement may not be far off.

He said: "I'm not trying to work too much longer. I'm trying to relax and enjoy my old age."

Rihanna calls her latest album a 'classic'

Rihanna thinks her latest album 'Rated R’ is a 'classic'.

The 'Russian Roulette’ singer insists the LP - the follow-up to 2007’s 'Good Girl Gone Bad’ - is edgier and is more personal than her other releases.

She said: 'We made a great album, which was my intention in the first place. That makes this a classic album for me.

'It’s very edgy. 'Good Girl Gone Bad’ was all about me at that point of my life. It had attitude and an edge and this next album takes it up a notch.

'I want to evolve and keep changing and I want my music to reflect that.'

With her new musical direction the 21-year-old star has evolved her style, although Rihanna is adamant it was not a conscious decision to make herself sexier.

The pop beauty – who has previously admitted many of the things on the album were inspired by her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown - said: 'A lot of people say to me, 'You got sexier. Your image has changed.’ But that really isn’t it. I’m just dressing how I feel. I’m more comfortable in my skin. I basically dress to my mood.

'There are times when I like to dress up and be very sexy and feminine and then other times I’m like a tomboy because I just want to wear something comfortable.'

Beyonce tops gold and platinum awards Last Decadelist

Beyonce has lead the list of Gold and Platinum earners in the past decade with 64 awards going here was, according to RIAA.

The Recording Industry Association of America gives awards in the music industry for sales of cumulative album, digital song, master ringtone and music video.

Beyonce scored most with 64, Eagles were second with 46 and Michael Jackson received 44 in the past decade.

Here is the list:

Group: The Eagles—48 (WMG)
Male solo artist: Michael Jackson—44 (Sony/Epic)
Female solo artist: Beyonce—64 (Sony/Columbia)

Most album certifications:
Group: Nickelback—25 (Roadrunner)
Male solo artist: George Strait—29 (UMG/MCA Nashville)
Female solo artist: Britney Spears—23 (Sony/Jive)

Most digital song certifications:
Group: Linkin Park—13 (WMG)
Male solo artist: Kanye West—19 (UMG/Def Jam)
Female solo artist: Taylor Swift—25 (Big Machine)

Most master ringtone certifications:
Male solo artist: T.I.—15 (WMG/Atlantic/Grand Hustle)
Female solo artist: Beyonce—19 (Sony/Columbia)

HIGHEST CERTIFIED RELEASES

Highest certified album:
Group: *NSYNC’s No Strings Attached (Sony/Jive, 2000) 11x Platinum/OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (LaFace/Jive, 2003) 11x Platinum
Male solo artist: Usher’s Confessions (LaFace/Jive, 2004) 10x Platinum
Female solo artist: Shania Twain’s Up! (UMG/Mercury Nashville, 2002) 11x Platinum

Highest certified digital song:
Group: Coldplay’s 'Viva La Vida' (EMI, Capitol, 2008) 3x multi-platinum and The Fray’s 'How to Save a Life' (Sony/Epic, 2006) 3x multi-Platinum
Male solo artist: Flo Rida’s 'Low' (Warner/Atlantic, 2008) 5x multi-Platinum
Female solo artist: Lady Gaga’s 'Just Dance' (UMG/Interscope) 4x multi-platinum and Taylor Swift’s 'Love Story' (Big Machine, 2008) 4x multi-platinum

Highest certified master ringtone:
Group: D4L’s 'Laffy Taffy' (Atlantic, 2006) 3x multi-platinum; Hinder’s 'Lips of an Angel' (Universal Records, 2006) 3x multi-platinum, and Shop Boyz’ 'Party Like a Rockstar' (Universal Records) 3x multi-platinum
Male solo artist: Lil Wayne’s 'Lollipop' (Universal/Cash Money) 5x multi-platinum (Universal/Cash Money, 2008)
Female solo artist: Beyonce’s 'Irreplaceable' (Sony/ Columbia, 2006) 3x multi-platinum

Rihanna gets birthday surprize

Rihanna’s rumoured boyfriend surprised her with a 22nd birthday party at the weekend.

The 'Rude Boy’ singer was 'shocked' by the bash put together by baseball player Matt Kemp in Phoenix, Arizona - where Kemp is currently training - as she was only expecting a small gathering of friends.

A source said: 'It was so sweet and she was really surprised. She looked just beautiful.'

Matt organised Caribbean food to be served to Barbados-born Rihanna and also reportedly bought her a custom-made diamond necklace.

The party was extra-special for Rihanna as she cancelled her 21st birthday celebrations last year in the aftermath of her assault at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown early in February 2009.

The source added to website 'E! Online’: 'Matt really wanted to do something nice for Rihanna this year since she didn’t have much of a 21st birthday last year. It was just her closest friends, good Jamaican food, a photo booth, dancing and a nice cake.' Matt, 25, has been linked to Rihanna since they were seen holidaying together in Mexico in January, but he has played down romance rumours.

He said: 'Rihanna is just a friend, a good friend of mine. We went down to Mexico and had fun together.'

Shakira pops in to see Barack Obama

President Barack Obama had yet another celeb come visit this week. Shakira dropped by the White House.

Shakira is also the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.

She met with the President to talk about the United States Governments policy towards children.

The meeting was officially off the record. Shakira was attending a meeting at the White House with the National Security Council and Domestic Policy Council but after the meeting ended, the President agreed to say hello.

The Grammy award winning Columbian singer also made a stop at the World Bank to address childhood poverty.

Katy Perry under sexual pressure from Russell Brand

Katy Perry feels under pressure to be a sex goddess – because she is with Russell Brand.

The 'I Kissed A Girl’ singer says it’s a struggle trying to keep up with her fiance, who was previously famed for his womanising ways, but she tries her best.

She said: "Can you imagine the kind of responsibility I have with his reputation? I'm bedridden most of the week."

The 25-year-old star – who has been dating the British funnyman since last September – also believes she has worked out a formula for his good looks, and part of the attraction is he looks like Jesus.

She said in a magazine interview: 'His look is Jim Morrison meets Charles Manson meets Jesus meets a little bit of Elvis Presley. He's a walking genius. Just standing next to him makes me smarter.

'He's good for me. He's not a p***k in any way, shape or form. He's the boss; he calls the shots. I like that. I've been waiting for someone I couldn't steamroll."

Russell, 34, proposed to Katy on New Year’s Eve (31.12.09) during a holiday to India with a ring featuring two rubies and the inscription 'The one I’ve been waiting for’.

The pop beauty was astonished by the personal band, saying: "I love it. I'm glad he didn't go for the 'every other b***h in Beverly Hills is wearing it as well' ring."

Speaking about the proposal, she added: "It involved fireworks, elephants, Indian dancers, horse-drawn carriages and tens of thousands of flower petals."

Jennifer Hudson’s wrestler fiance wants to marry her in the ring

Jennifer Hudson’s fiance wants to marry her in a wrestling ring.

David Otunga - who is one of eight professional wrestlers appearing on the World Wrestling Entertainment’s new reality show 'WWE NXT’ – believes the squared circle would be the perfect place to tie the knot.

When asked whether the WWE could convince the couple to get married in the ring, David joked: 'We could do that. I don’t know if Jennifer would go for it, but I’d be up for it.'

As for the date, he says it’s set but won’t reveal anymore information. He revealed to E! Online: 'I can’t divulge the date or anything but we definitely have the plans.'

The couple met at Jennifer’s 27th birthday party in 2008 and have a six-month-old son, David Jr., together.

Grappler David claims their child is already trying to follow in his singer mother’s musical footsteps.

He revealed: 'One of his favourite things is to hear the piano. Jennifer will play the piano or sing to him, and he will calm down immediately.

'We had a guy over once tuning the piano and he was pecking the keys, and David started trying to sing and imitate the notes. It was the most unbelievable thing.'

Lady Gaga to wear fake penis on stage

The 'Bad Romance' singer - who has been dogged by speculation she has had a sex change or has both sets of genitals - can understand where rumours she is a hermaphrodite have come from and plans to make fun of them in an "artistic" way.

The 23-year-old star said: "I want to wear a d**k strapped to my vagina. We all know that one of the biggest talking points of the year was that I have a d**k, so why not give them what they want?

"I also carry myself onstage in a masculine way and sing in a low register. This is not of nowhere, right?

"I want to comment on that in a beautiful, artistic way. How I wanna show it. And I want to call this piece 'Lady Gaga Dies Hard'. Come on, come see me try to persuade everyone to let me wear a penis."

The controversial star - who is well known for her outlandish stunts and outrageous outfits - also blasted contradictory attitudes to sexuality, which let men be more vocal about their conquests than women.

She told Q magazine: "When a guy says, 'Oh I f***ed all these chicks this week', there's a high-five and giggling. But when a woman does it and its publicised or she's open about her sexuality or she's free or liberated, it's 'Oh, she must have a d**k'. There's a threat."

Cheryl Cole erasing Ashley tattoo

Cheryl Cole is erasing husband Ashley Cole from her life – by having her tattoo tribute to him removed.

The 'Parachute’ singer wants the piece of body art which reads 'Mrs C’ removed from the back of her neck and has started taking down all pictures of the couple together from their Surrey home.

Cheryl is also said to be making enquiries about getting a fast track divorce, following allegations Ashley slept with five women behind her back, and will reportedly not seek any of the England soccer player’s £14 million fortune.

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Cheryl has not yet appointed a divorce lawyer but she is going through names and setting up meetings.

'She will not be fighting for a huge settlement. She just wants to get out fast so she can press on with life and move on.'

Meanwhile, Ashley reportedly left a note in the couple’s marital home trying to justify his actions, blaming his behaviour on Cheryl’s heavy workload.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: 'Cheryl is hurt and confused. One minute Ashley is grovelling and apologising for his betrayals and the next he is blaming her successful career for the split.

'Cheryl has been told Ashley strayed because he felt so alone in their marriage. Whilst she was off working he was either at home alone, or in a hotel room playing video games while away with Chelsea."

Cheryl – who is a member of Girls Aloud, is a judge on UK TV talent show 'The X Factor’ and recently launched a successful solo pop career - publicly announced she was splitting from Ashley, 29, on Tuesday (23.02.10) via twitter.

The 26-year-old beauty arrived back in the UK from Los Angeles on Tuesday and stayed at the couple’s martial home, insisting she wanted to be alone

However, yesterday (24.02.10) she was comforted by her first visitors – Girls Aloud bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.

A source said: 'Cheryl values their friendship and wanted to see them for a heart-to-heart. Cheryl just wanted a girl’s night with people she trusts.'

Jennifer Lopez announces she and label Sony have split,says new album still coming out

NEW YORK (AP) — Jennifer Lopez is off of Sony's block.

The singing and acting diva has confirmed she has split from Sony Music after more than a decade. Sony's Epic Records put out her first CD, "On The 6," in 1999. Since then, she's sold millions, but also had a couple of CDs with disappointing sales.

A new album called "Love?" was due to be released by the label this spring. But in a statement released Tuesday night, Lopez said: "At this point, I have fulfilled all my contractual obligations to Sony/Epic (and) we have come to an amicable decision."

Lopez says she has a new label home and her album will be out in the summer, but she did not specify the label.

Florida woman sues 50 Cent in NYC over online sex video

FILE - This Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 picture shows Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent, at the premiere of "Twelve" during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. A Florida woman filed a lawsuit in New York on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 against the rapper, claiming he unlawfully distributed her homemade sex tape over the Internet after editing himself into it as a wig-wearing narrator.
NEW YORK (AP) — A Florida woman has sued rapper 50 Cent in New York City, claiming he unlawfully distributed her homemade sex video over the Internet after editing himself into it as a wig-wearing narrator.

Lastonia Leviston filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in Manhattan claiming unauthorized use of her name or image and emotional distress caused by the public release of a video she made with a lover in 2008.

The lawsuit claims 50 Cent posted the video on his Web site last year after blurring out the lover's face. It also claims the rapper appears in the video wearing a wig and robe and can be heard narrating throughout.

The rapper's real name is Curtis Jackson. His lawyer hasn't responded to a phone message seeking comment.

The Dream has bought his unborn baby a car

The rapper and wife Christina Milian are expecting their first child – a daughter they plan to name Violet – later this week and the musician says he is already devoting his full attention to the new addition.

He said: "The baby will be here Sunday (29.02.10), no later than Sunday!

"The baby already has a car, I got a house just for the baby - Christina can't get in the baby's car. I'm giving all my attention that I usually give to Christina to the baby, all the flowers I usually give Christina, I'm giving them to the baby.'

Despite his excitement, the musician has continued to work on his forthcoming album 'Love King’.

The Dream – whose real name is Terius Nash – added to MTV: "I've been working like a regular person works in America. They have jobs whether someone's pregnant or not.'

Christina recently admitted she is worried about delivering the tot.

She said: "I am nervous about giving birth to the baby. That's probably the most nerve-wracking part of it all. Every day I wonder, 'What happens if she comes earlier than expected?' "

Lady Gaga tests for HIV

Lady Gaga took an HIV test after panicking about her behaviour on tour.

The 'Bad Romance' singer recently had a sexual health screening in New York because she 'forgot' to look after her body properly when she was performing live shows for The Monster Ball Tour concerts.

She said: "I had an HIV test two days ago - and it's not because I'm taking off my clothes every night with a different man. When I'm on the road, I forget about taking care of my body. I don't go to the doctor as regularly as if I were in one place all the time. So I woke up and thought, 'Oh, I'm home in New York. I'm going to see my gyno and I'm getting an HIV test.' "

The 23-year-old star – who is believed to be dating her stylist and friend Matthew Williams – has made it her personal mission to make it "fashionable" for women to carry condoms and practise safe sex.

She told MarieClaire.com: "You put that condom in your purse and save your own f**king life. And don't call me in a week and cry. Because you know that infamous call from your girlfriend – 'Oh, my God, I got caught up, and I was afraid he wouldn't like me.' I mean, what year is it? It's scary, but I want it to be fashionable to be smart."

Lady Gaga recently blasted contradictory attitudes to sexuality which let men be more vocal about their conquests than women.

She said: "When a guy says, 'Oh I f**ked all these chicks this week', there's a high-five and giggling. But when a woman does it and it’s publicised or she's open about her sexuality or she's free or liberated, it's 'Oh, she must have a d**k'. There's a threat."

Notorious B.I.G. in Another West Coast Feud this time Faith Evans, is the one in the hot seat.

Biggie Smalls is smack in the middle of another heated battle in California -- but this time, the deceased rapper's wife, Faith Evans, is the one in the hot seat.

It's all over private home videos of Christopher Wallace -- videos that a company called Kaushi Entertainment wanted to use in a documentary.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in L.A. County Superior Court, Kaushi claims they struck a deal, approved by Faith Evans, in which they would fork over $30k for all of the movies.

Kaushi claims they paid up -- but Faith Evans, along with several associates, never handed over the goods.

Long story short -- Kaushi claims they got screwed and want more than $1,000,000 to make things right.

Calls to Faith's people have not been returned.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0gXf1F1Bm

Ice Cube Readies Ninth Album, "I Am The West"

Hip Hop legend Ice Cube has revealed his upcoming album, I Am the West, via his blog.

"I AM THE WEST...is the name of my new record. After completing about 65% of my music, this is the perfect title," wrote the Compton native.

Cube indicated he'd be returning to his roots for the album, as well as giving an approximate release date. "This shit is cocky, no apologies, west coast gangsta shit. I can't help it. That's what I do. June seems too tight for a release, but July is very doable. We'll see how things go. Now that I have my title, I can work on the concept of my photoshoot and artwork. I want to provide early merch before the drop date."

Finally, Ice Cube expressed his commitment to an authentic west coast sound, rather than pandering to other markets. "For seven or eight years now the west coast has been trying to do music that appeals to the south and midwest. The words, 'too west coast' would be heard throughout the industry whenever our music was played. Even by our own [deejays]. Left coast emcees were now trying to change their sound to cater to all the followers. We lost our way. Thank God for b-boys like Snoop [Dogg], The Game and WC for keeping the West alive, but we were all guilty of over reaching. No more. At least not from me. I do it how I feel it; not how I think it should be done. Radio fucked us up. I hate the politics at radio. I don't know who to pay to get my shit played. Having a hot song is not enough. Ridiculous."

Ice Cube's last album was 2008's Raw Footage.