The revelations keep coming in the Michael Jackson-AEG case, with the latest coming from his former tour director, Kenny Ortega - who wrote in a letter to the concert promoter that Jacko was in danger of hurting himself. According to the Los Angeles Times, the letter, sent to AEG head Randy Phillips, was presented to the jury on Monday.
Eight Mile Style, the music publishing company for Eminem, has sued Facebook for copyright infringement. The firm claims that the social networking site used music during an April advertisement that sounded "substantially similar" to Eminem's track "Under The Influence." The company responded by noting that the song is a rip-off of a Michael Jackson song.
The-Dream has released "Where Have You Been," the latest single from his upcoming album IV Play. The smooth jam, produced by Da Internz, features an assist from Kelly Rowland. "Just a signature R&B duet record, no games, no nothing, straight down the middle," The-Dream told Rap-Up of his latest effort.
T.I. has released the music video for "Wit Me," a new single via his Hustle Gang imprint, EMPIRE Distribution. The track features Lil Wayne and serves as a teaser for the pair's upcoming America's Most Wanted Music Festival. In the vid, directed by Phillyflyboy, Tip and Weezy race through the streets of Miami, hit the water in yachts and run from the police.
The full version of Beyoncé's "Grown Woman," a track teased in her Pepsi spot, is now out in full. The Timbaland-produced song features Bey singing an inspirational message over a menacing beat: "It ain't no fun if a girl can't have none / You really wanna know how I got it like that 'cause I got a cute face and my booty's so fat."
Will.i.am has released the music video for "Bang Bang," a cut from his recently released album, #willpower. In the black-and-white clip, the Black Eyed Peas fronter dons a coat and tails for a roaring '20s vibe. Suitably, the single is also featured on the soundtrack for the film, The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan.
Last week rumor had it that The X Factor was looking to add Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio as judges, and now a report from FOX has confirmed the rumors. "It's taken more than a decade, but I'm delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!)," said the fourth judge Simon Cowell said in a statement.
Justin Timberlake has reportedly connected with Three 6 Mafia's Juicy J for several new tracks. The rapper broke the news during a recent interview with MTV and says the tracks will appear on his forthcoming new release Star Trippy. "I've got this record [with Timberlake], but it's not all the way finished yet," J said.
Janet Jackson has opened up about her plans for a new album during a recent interview with Essence. According to Janet, the release will break some new musical ground. "I am working on a new project now," she said. "We are creating the concept and initial thought on the music. I am excited about the direction we are taking."
Kanye West's forthcoming release will be titled Yeezus, according to a report from Rap-Up. The release is planned for June 18 and will be Kanye's first solo effort since 2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. There has been no confirmation on the title from Ye, though he has already premiered three tracks from the new album.
Drake has unveiled a new look, rocking a full afro for a cameo in the upcoming film Anchorman 2. Images of Drizzy on the set hit the web via Rap-Up.com and show the former DiGrassi star decked out in a vintage Members Only jacket, old-school stonewashed jeans and Adidas high-tops. So far, there's no word on the nature of Drake's role in the highly anticipated sequel.
Mariah Carey's reps have denied that she lip-synced songs during a recent appearance on American Idol. The statement comes after many fans on Twitter questioned the performance on Sunday night. "Great job on Idol last night Mariah Carey!! You lip-sync like an angel," one tweeter named Dax Holt wrote.
Several sources near Beyoncé and Jay-Z have confirmed that the couple is expecting their second child. Confirmation of the rumors by several sources, none of which are Beyoncé or Jay-Z's representatives, come after the singer canceled a show from her Mrs. Carter tour in Belgium on May 14 due to exhaustion and dehydration.
Frank Ocean has been nominated for a pair of O Music Awards. Ocean is tied with Beck, both of whom are leading all other artists with two nods. Ocean got one for Must Follow Artist on Twitter. Fans can vote at OMusicAwards.com via their Facebook or Twitter account. Open nominations have begun and will go through May 21.
The-Dream has released a new video for "IV Play," the title track off of his upcoming album. In the new clip, The-Dream steps out of a helicopter draped in a black fur coat, while accompanied by a sexy lady, he then performs against the backdrop of an building. Later he gets a front row seat from his white Mercedes SL, while his scantily-clad co-stars put on a show.