Today's Full Report
Rapper Heavy D Died Yesterday at Age 44
(TMZ) Rapper Heavy D, one of the most influential rappers of the '90s, died yesterday at the age of 44. An associate of Heavy D's told TMZ that the rapper had pneumonia. Here is their report:
Heavy D -- real name Dwight Arrington Myers -- was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon on Tuesday ... and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM.
We've learned a 911 call was placed from Heavy's Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway . When help arrived, we're told Heavy D was conscious and speaking -- and was transported to a nearby hospital. He died a short time later.
Cops are investigating the death -- and so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play. Police are currently at the home.
Heavy D had several massive hits -- including "Now That We Found Love." He also wrote and performed the theme song for "In Living Color" ... and appeared as an actor in the movie "Life."
Heavy just performed at the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert in Wales on October 8. He sang "Jam" with La Toya Jackson.
Eddie F -- one of the founding members of Heavy D & the Boyz -- issued a heartfelt statement about his longtime friend ... saying, "We were only young kids out of high school when we got into the game just wanting to make fun music filled with love and excitement."
"We always had so much fun as a group. I cherish all the happy times we had together while unknowingly helping to build the movement and legacy we call Uptown Records" ... adding, "I love you Hev and we all will miss you so much."
Update: Law enforcement tell TMZ ... Heavy D had just returned from shopping and walked up some stairs when he began having trouble breathing. Adam Mills, a designer who was in the building and knew Heavy D, found him leaning against a railing and clearly in distress. Adam tells us he cradled Heavy D in his lap as others called 911. Adam says Heavy D was conscious and said to him, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe." When paramedics took Heavy D to the hospital he had a pulse. People in the building are saying he died of a heart attack, but we have not been able to confirm that. Law enforcement sources tell us ... no foul play was involved and so far they only know the cause of death was "medical." more on this story
Katy Perry The People's Choice?
(popmusiclife) The nominees for the People's Choice Awards 2012 were announced Tuesday and Katy Perry leads the music pack with seven (7) nominations.
Perry had nods across all three genres: movies (Favorite Animated Movie Voice), music (Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Song, Favorite Pop Artist, Favorite Music Video, Favorite Tour Headliner) and TV (Favorite TV Guest Star).
Beyonce and Lady Gaga had five (5) nominations each. Top TV and film nominees include "Glee," nominated for 7 awards including 6 talent nominations and 1 show nomination for Favorite Network TV Comedy, and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," up for 9 People's Choice Awards including Favorite Movie. more on this story
Jay-Z Appears on Rihanna's New Album
(popmusiclife) Rihanna's been talking that talk, as she confirms a guest appearance by Jay-Z on the title track to her new album, "Talk That Talk," due November 21.
"Yes sir! Jigga man is on the title track #TTT " she tweeted on Tuesday. Norwegian production team Stargate actually let the news out first, as reported by Complex.com.
Describing the collaboration as a "mid-tempo banger with hard drums, dirty synths, and Rihanna and Jay at their best," Stargate producer Tor Erik Hermansen added, "We are very happy with the song and Jay's verse is crazy—same with Rihanna's part." more on this story
Michael Jackson and The Doctor: A Fatal Friendship Documentary Airing Soon?
(TMZ) TMZ has obtained an excerpt of a never-before-seen documentary starring Dr. Conrad Murray -- in which the good doc reveals some very intimate details about the singer ... some of which are not flattering.
The documentary -- titled, "Michael Jackson and The Doctor: A Fatal Friendship" -- was shot while Murray awaited trial for manslaughter ... and features a shockingly candid look at the preparation of the trial, which includes intense fighting between Murray's lawyers.
The movie is being distributed by a company called Zodiac Rights ... which says it's already pre-sold the rights to air the documentary to "major broadcasters around the world."
Sources tell TMZ ... NBC is one of the broadcasters ... and will air the doc in the United States.
As for Dr. Murray -- he signed on to the project back in 2009, following MJ's death. It's unclear how much cash Murray is set to make from the movie. more on this story
Celebrity Rehab Revisited
Vh1 has announced the launch of "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Revisited" which is a series of four, "where are they now" specials with Dr. Drew and his head councilor Bob Forrest visiting patients from the first four seasons of "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew."
Featuring new interviews and home visits with Andy Dick, Rodney King, Seth Binzer, Tom Sizemore, Rachel Uchitel, Leif Garrett, Janice Dickinson and many more of the most infamous 'celebrity rehabbers' to date, these specials will offer a frank look at life months and, in some cases years, after rehab.
While many participants on the series have been successful with recovery, viewers will see that in some instances, not even Dr. Drew's patients are immune to the perils of relapse. "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Revisited" premieres Wednesday, November 30th at 10pm*. more on this story
Ellie Goulding Announces Record Store Day Release and Event
Ellie Goulding will celebrate Record Store Day with a live event and the release of a live physical EP, Live At Amoeba, exclusively through independent retailers on November 25th, also known as Black Friday.
The EP — which features live acoustic performances of the British singer and songwriter's hits "Starry Eyed" and "Lights" (currently climbing the Hot AC radio chart), plus a cover of Elton John's "Your Song" — was recorded at independent record store Amoeba Music in San Francisco on April 14th, 2011, while Ellie was on the road for her first sold-out U.S. tour supporting her debut album LIGHTS.
To celebrate the EP's release, Ellie will return to Amoeba Music in San Francisco to sign advance copies on November 20th. This in-store event begins at 5 p.m. Amoeba Music is located at 1855 Haight Street, San Francisco. more on this story
fun. Set New Album Release
fun. have set a February 21st, 2012 release date for their new album which is entitled "Some Nights".
The band will launch a preorder for a limited edition 7" vinyl version of the single on November 28 through the Fueled By Ramen webstore, which will also unveil the song "One Foot" from "SOME NIGHTS" as the b-side.
The first single from "Some Nights," "We Are Young (Feat. Janelle Monáe)," is available now via all digital retailers. more on this story
Katy Perry To Make Special Ellen Appearance on Friday
(EMI) Katy Perry will make an exclusive appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this Friday, November 11th, to debut and discuss the video for her current single about lost love, "The One That Got Away."
The video was directed by film and video director Floria Sigismondi (The Runaways), who also directed Katy's MTV Video Music Award-winning clip for "E.T." Watch a teaser trailer for the video here.
Directly following Katy's appearance on DeGeneres' show, the video for "The One That Got Away" will be available for viewing on www.ellentv.com, as well as on VEVO at 4 p.m. ET. more on this story
Michael Lohan Facing Four Years in Jail
(TMZ) Michael Lohan has just been charged in connection with his 2 most recent arrests -- involving his ex Kate Major -- and now, faces up to 4 years behind bars.
As we previously reported, Lohan was arrested twice in 2 days 2 weeks ago -- first, for allegedly bruising Major up in her Florida apartment ... second, for allegedly violating a protective order a day later, by trying to contact Major over the phone.
MiLo was charged today with 2 misdemeanors for the first arrest -- domestic violence and violation of a domestic injunction. And 2 for the second -- resisting arrest without violence (after allegedly trying to flee from police and falling into a tree) and violating a condition of pretrial release.
If convicted on all charges, Michael faces a max of 4 years in jail. more on this story
Martin Solveig Kicks Off North American Tour
French DJ/Producer Martin Solveig has hit the road for a month long North American headlining tour.
The dates get underway tonight, November 9th, at The Necto in Ann Arbor, Michigan and continue through his December 3rd marquee performance at New York City's Pacha .
The coast-to-coast tour is in support of his single release, "Big In Japan," available at all digital retailers on November 15th. The track – which sees Solveig accompanied by Canadian electropop combo Dragonette and Japanese girl group Idoling!!! – was recently featured on an episode of HBO's hit series, How To Make It In America. more on this story
American Idol Champ Scotty McCreery Sets TV Appearances
If you miss seeing American Idol champ Scotty McCreery on TV, you will have plenty of opportunities to see him this month.
We received the following details: Scotty McCreery has plenty to be thankful for this November, including his first performance on The 45th Annual Country Music Association Awards and the opportunity to participate in one of America's great traditions – the 85th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Of course, Scotty has a long list of blessings to be grateful for this year, including winning Season Ten of American Idol in May and becoming the youngest man in history to have his first album debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. Clear As Day, which was released Oct. 4, also debuted atop the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, a spot it held for three consecutive weeks. more on this story
Michael Jackson Items Fetch Big Bucks
(popmusiclife) On the same day that Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson, some of the music legend's items raised big money at an auction in Ireland.
The BBC reports a set of silk pajamas and a bed in which the late singer once slept have been sold at an Irish auction for a total of 8,900 euros (approx. $12,200 US).
An American entertainment company bought the star's pyjamas for 2,700 euros ($3,700 US), while a mahogany bed he slept in was sold to an undisclosed Irish bidder for 6,200 euros ($8.500 US). more on this story
Songs For Japan Raises $10 Million
This week in Tokyo, senior executives from four major music companies, EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music Group, met with Japanese Red Cross Society Vice President, Yoshiharu Otsuka, to recognize the milestone of $10 million raised and donated from the global sales of Songs For Japan.
A music industry-wide initiative, Songs For Japan is an unprecedented compilation of 38 major hits and classic tracks, including 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits and five #1s from more than 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music. The collection was rush-released worldwide on March 25 – only 14 days after the earthquake struck Japan – as a digital album via iTunes, followed by the release of a physical two-CD set.
Tadateru Konoe, President of Japanese Red Cross Society, said, "The kind thoughts of the people who made and bought this album have given great encouragement to the people affected by the earthquake and tsunami. One hundred percent of the money raised goes directly to those most in need. On behalf of the Japanese Red Cross and the people affected by the disaster, I want to sincerely thank the artists and music companies for this generous support. It is much needed and greatly appreciated." more on this story
Tyler Perry Keeping Kim Kardashian In His New Film
(TMZ) Kim Kardashian has already lost one man in her life this week, but she won't be losing another -- Tyler Perry is keeping her in his new film ... despite a serious outcry for him to divorce her from the project.
It was announced last month Kim would have a role in the movie "Marriage Counselor" -- which became even more ironic when announcer her split from Kris Humphries a week later.
Perry's fans have flocked to his web site, begging him to reconsider Kim. One post reads, "... why are you even considering putting no talent, show everything Kim K in a movie. I will not support that movie ..."
But Perry is standing strong, telling TMZ any rumors that say she's out are false. He added, "She is scheduled to work as planned."
Let's hope shooting on the movie doesn't go longer than 72 days. more on this story
Nicki Minaj Added To Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Nicki Minaj has been added to the musical lineup for The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which is set to air on Tuesday, Nov. 29 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS.
Minaj released her debut album, "Pink Friday," in 2010, which was certified platinum. She became the first artist ever to have seven singles on the "Billboard Hot 100" at the same time. She has won nine BET Awards and has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and four Billboard Music Awards.
This performance will mark the artist's first appearance on The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. more on this story
Singled Out: John Mark McMillan's Sheet of Night
Today John Mark McMillan tells us about "Sheet of Night" from his brand new album "Economy," which hit stores this week. Here is the story:
I think "Sheet of Night" comes from looking at the people around me and wanting better for some of them. At the same time I'm looking at myself and wanting to believe that I'm the kind of person who won't give up on the people and things I believed in. I see these people who are important to me and want to believe that the thing that binds us together is greater than the gravity of our situations.
I saw this documentary on Hurricane Katrina a while back, and there came a point for many of the survivors when they had to make a decision to stay home and die or brave the elements. I want to believe that I could be the kind of person who would brave the flood for the people I love and not be content to sit back and watch us become bitter angry people.
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