Sep 16, 2008
Lil' Wayne to Star in New Documentary
Lil' Wayne is making an even bigger name for himself outside of his music career, as he has partnered with Streets Talk DVD to release a limited edition documentary entitled "The Nino Brown Story." The film will recount his tumultuous professional and personal life on the road.
Drawing on Wayne’s constant lyric references to the 1991 cult classic film "New Jack City," the release will chronicle the rapper’s travels throughout major U.S. cities such as Newark, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and his native New Orleans, according to AllHipHop.com.
This uncensored footage is promised by Streets Talk to show the chart-topper at his uncensored best while giving fans a never before seen look at his private life and the struggles of being Hip-Hop’s most popular figure.
Wayne’s famed Carter album series draws its namesake and inspiration from the dramatized crack building in "New Jack City" owned by Nino Brown, played by Wesley Snipes.
The film also helped Wayne affiliates Baby and Slim Williams pick a label name, as Brown’s crew was known in the movie as the "Cash Money Brothers."
"The Nino Brown Story" will include appearances from Kanye West, Jay-Z, Juelz Santana, Jae Millz, Freekey Zekey and Baby.
The "I Run This" video shoot, Wayne’s memorable Newark, NJ performance, and unreleased details about his NYC arrest have been added as special features.
Webbie Arrested After Fleeing From Cops
Louisiana rapper Webbie was arrested and charged with felony eluding after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase through Hattiesburg, Mississippi on Sunday.
According to police reports, officers attempted to stop a 2009 Dodge Challenger for a routine traffic stop on September 14, 2008 on I-59 North at 3:30 p.m. The driver ignored the officer's flashing lights and began driving erratically before crashing into a black 1999 Mercury Cougar.
The driver of the Challenger proceeded to keep going, while police temporarily gave up pursuit to assist the injured passengers of the other vehicle.
Later, authorities found the damaged Challenger abandoned in a Walmart parking lot, and eyewitnesses confimed that three men exited the vehicle, departing in a 1993 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle was quickly tracked down and Webbie, born Webster Gradney, was identified as the driver by the initial traffic stop authorities.
Webbie is also facing millions of dollars in lawsuits, amidst claims that he took money from several promotoers, but failed to show up to perform at the concerts, according to AllHipHop.com.
Jennifer Hudson Engaged to VH1 Reality Star
R&B singer Jennifer Hudson is engaged to marry her boyfriend David Otunga, better known to VH1 viewers as "Punk" from the second season of "I Love New York."
The 28-year-old Harvard Law School grad was in Los Angeles with J-Hud Friday night to celebrate her 27th birthday when he asked her to marry him with a Neil Lane diamond ring, according to reports.
During his stint on "I Love New York," he was a finalist on the show, but lost his chance at love with Tiffany "New York" Pollard to winner Ezra "Buddha" Masters.
Besides his reality stardom on VH1, Otunga has worked with the Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
He and Hudson dated for less than a year, and are both from Chicago.
According to the singer/actress's publicist Jessica Kolstad, the couple have not yet set a wedding date.
T.I. Expenses Paid Far Exceed $2,000 Child Support
Rapper T.I. has come forward to set the record straight about his repsonsibilities as a father.
Recently, Lashon Dixon, the mother of T.I.'s two oldest sons, sued the rapper for an increase in child support, claiming that he currently gives her $2,000 a month to care for the boys, according to the Associated Press.
T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., responded to the claims with a long statement on his Web site, StreedtCred.com.
"A lot of deceiving information has been reported regarding my recent child support proceeding," the statement reads in part. "It is unfortunate that the media has been used to manipulate the circumstances and distort the facts. Those that know me all know that there is nothing more important to me than my children. I have always supported all of my children financially, emotionally and spiritually. This has always been the case, and I will continue to do so in the future as this is my responsibility as a parent."
The rapper went on to say that in addition to the reported $2,000 a month, he also provides for their private schooling and health care, among other expenses.
"I have also made an attempt to help Lashon with additional payments that have included a down payment to purchase her home, purchase of an automobile for her transportation and other financial obligations," the statement continued.
"These expenses are documented and are far in excess of the $2,000 cash payment that is being paid direct to Lashon. She has chosen not to work and to live 100 percent from her child-support receipts. This is the reason for her difficulties in making ends meet for herself."
Throughout his career, the Atlanta native has frequently referenced his children in his songs and even released an album titled King, which is the nickname of one of his younger sons. He has two sons with his fiancée, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, including Major, who was born in May; a daughter died shortly after childbirth in 2007, according to MTV.com.
T.I. is currently shooting the film "Bone Deep." He recently released the video to "What Up, What's Happenin'," which was shot in Shawty Lo's Atlanta neighborhood of Bowen Homes. The rap star makes fun of his onetime adversary in the clip.
The Grand Hustle founder is also promoting Paper Trail, which lands in stores on September 30. Usher, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Ludacris, B.O.B., Lil' Wayne and Kanye West are among the guests.
Lil' Wayne Inks New Multi-Album Deal With Cash Money
New Orleans rapper Lil' Wayne will remain the "franchise" artist of Cash Money Records. The record label has announced the Young Money founder has inked a new multi-album deal. Although, the specific terms of the contract were not revealed, Wayne is bound contractually for several albums, according to AllHipHop.com.
"Working with our son Lil' Wayne throughout the many years has helped us build Cash Money into the empire it is today," said Bryan "Baby" Williams, who co-founded the groundbreaking label with his brother 16 years ago. "Cash Money is a family and Lil' Wayne has been part of our family since day one."
Wayne was first signed by the Willimas brothers at the tender age of eleven, and made his first official record appearance on the Hot Boyz' 1997 debut Get It How U Live.
Of his six solo albums on Cash Money, four have been RIAA-ceritified platinum, including his 1999 solo debut Tha Block Is Hot and the first two installments of The Carter triology.
Most recently, of course, Lil' Wayne scored commerical and critical success with his highly anticipated The Carter III, which has sold 2.4 million records to date.
According to Ronald "Slim" Williams, Wayne's success is not surprising, considering the character he has displayed since first joining their "family."
"We were introduced to him when he was just a little, little kid," Slim shares. "He told us he wanted to be a rapper. He just called us every day, and at one point, even came to live with us. He just outworked everybody. He had that drive to succeed."
Lil’ Wayne, born Dewayne Carter Jr., was scheduled in a Manhattan Supreme Court on yesterday (September 15), where he was to face weapons charges tied to a July 2007 arrest.
The appearances was to continue a pre-trial hearing from last week, where Diane Hornung, the arresting officer in the case, stated that she boarded the New Orleans rapper’s tour bus after detecting the smell of marijuana, only to find the artist attempting to hide a .40 caliber handgun.
Wayne’s New York attorney Stacey Richman said the hearing was postponed to allow all witnesses to testify on one day, rather than to prolong the proceedings.
Selena Gomez’s Healthy Outlook
Her new movie “Another Cinderella Story” hit store shelves today, and Selena Gomez celebrated with an afternoon out dining and shopping in Los Angeles.
Wearing a blue Boys club t-shirt with jeans, the “Wizards of Waverly Place” starlet first grabbed up a bite to eat at Du-Par’s before dropping by a local GNC for her nutritional needs.
As for her new movie, Selena told press: “This story definitely relatable not only for dancers…but people who have a dream that maybe a little far fetched like becoming an actress and becoming or a professional singer. So I think it just gives everyone a chance and an opportunity to think, ‘ok there is hope.’”
Continuing on to talk about her real-life progress in finding her very own knight in shining armor, Gomez explains, “I don’t know, I am hoping it will be a surprise, I am very happy I am not looking but if it happens, great!”
Nick Jonas Takes a Birthday Stroll
Some celebrities rent out massive venues and throw extravagant parties to celebrate their birthday. But Nick Jonas would rather keep things low-key.
The “Burnin’ Up” stud was spotted taking his pet pooch for a walk outside of his Toluca Lake, California home earlier today (September 16), giving the paparazzi a thumbs up.
Together with his brothers Joe and Kevin, Nick helped field fan-generated questions on their MySpace page, talking about everything from marriage to career.
In response to the question “Would you ever date a fan?” they answered, “The answer is YES. We have already dated fans or girls that are not celebrities. In fact, we really like to believe that the girl we will spend our lives with will be our biggest ‘fan.’”
But when it came to their current relationships, the boys kept tight-lipped. “It is our rule to not talk about our personal lives, especially who we are dating. The same would be true if we were dating you.”
They also noted that their main focus will be their new TV show, with no major touring until next summer. “We are starting our TV show next week and will be busy with the show until then. We will be going out for special performances throughout the year. Hopefully, we can make it to your area but we will not be out on an official tour until June or July.”
Britney Spears Heads Off to the Studio
She’s ready to take over the world of pop music following her big MTV VMA wins, and earlier today (September 16) Britney Spears was spotted on her way to work on her dance moves at a studio in Beverly Hills, California.
Meanwhile, a lawyer for the once-troubled pop tart is hard at work as he tries to get his “Gimme More” singing client out of a trial for misdemeanor driving without a license.
According to Access Hollywood reports, “Spears’ lawyer in the case, Michael Flanagan, said that he will file a petition on Thursday to ask the Superior Court of Los Angeles to accept their proof the star has a valid license. He wants the case dismissed and for Britney to be able to pay a $10 fee.”
During the incident, which happened to be a fender bender with a parked Mercedes back in August 2007, Flanagan tells that Spears was “driving with a Louisiana license that was valid because she owns homes in that state.”
The next hearing regarding Britney’s misdemeanor driving charge is scheduled to take place this Thursday (September 18).
Lindsay Lohan’s Ugly Betty Preview Party, Dinner Date
She’s looking happier than ever these days, and last night Lindsay Lohan was spotted out on a dinner date with her girlfriend Samantha Ronson at the swanky West Village eatery Da Silvano.
The “Mean Girls” actress and her deejay girlfriend were celebrating the big premiere of the new season of “Ugly Betty,” on which Lohan guest stars.
Earlier in the evening, Lindsay hammed it up on the red carpet outside the Diamond Information Center in a white tank top, black knee-length skirt, and red platform heels.
And much like her recent gig “Labor Pains,” it sounds like LiLo is really enjoying being back to work following her stint of personal turmoil. “It’s been a great experience and everyone’s been so wonderful to me,” she told press.
Miley Cyrus Steps Out in Santa Monica
Spending the day side-by-side, Miley Cyrus and her mother Leticia were spotted out paying a visit to a friend’s house in Santa Monica on Monday evening (September 15).
Also accompanied by her grandmother, the Disney starlet smilingly posed for the paparazzi while looking cute in a black top, starry-themed skirt and a pair of Chuck Taylor’s.
Meanwhile, more details have come forward about Miley’s pssible hunky new boy toy, Nashville star hunk Justin Gaston.
According to People magazine reports, Gaston, 20, is “a friend from Nashville.” The two met when he was a contestant on Nashville Star, with Gaston’s rep, Allen Osborne, saying: “He’s visiting L.A. for the week.”
And though a source close to Miley says, “They’ve been spending a lot of time together while he’s in town,” Gaston’s rep mentioned that his client “had a ‘crush’ on Taylor Swift for quite a while.”
Ashley Tisdale Kick-Starts the Work Week
Getting a caffeine jump-tart to her week, Ashley Tisdale made a quick visit to her Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf before heading to a recording studio in Los Angeles, California on Monday (September 15).
The Disney starlet looked cute in a grey v-neck t-shirt, vintage washed jeans with a white belt and sandals with an oversized black Chanel bag topped off with a striped newsboy cap.
Meanwhile, the countdown continues as the release of “High School Musical 3: senior Year” is just over a month away - hitting theaters on October 24th.
As previously reported by Gossip Girls, HSM3 picks up with “Troy and Gabriella struggling with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future.”
Kim Kardashian’s Pampered Afternoon
You gotta hand it to her - Kim Kardashian has been working her tail off in preparation for her “Dancing with the Stars” gig. And yesterday she finally took some time for herself.
The “Disaster Movie” babe was spotted getting her nails done at a salon in Beverly Hills, California before heading off to do some shoe shopping.
And Miss Kardashian looked yummy in a white top accompanied by a black jacket, pink scarf, and a pair of slim fit jeans and sandals.
Later in the evening, Kim was out and about on Robertson Boulevard, heading back to her customized Bentley following dinner at the swanky Cuvee restaurant.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)