Ne-Yo to Star in Movie Based on His Life Story

R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo, who last month released his new album Year of the Gentleman, is planning a movie based on his life story. says he's currently working on a film that is based on his life story.

The hitmaker who has been involved in the movie-making process and will star in the film, compares the project to Eminem's 2002 biopic "8 Mile," which was based on the Detroit rapper's own rise to fame.

"We are putting together the film right now as we speak, as a matter of fact," Ne-Yo tells Rap-up.com. "The name of the movie is 'Venice Beach' and basically it's going to be my '8 Mile,' loosely based on my life, but not really."

Ne-Yo previously tested his acting skills with an appearance in 2007's "Stomp the Yard."

Jay-Z Gives Free Concerts in Support of Obama

Hip-Hop star Jay-Z will lend support to Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and encourage young people to vote by giving two free concerts this weekend.

Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, will perform a free show in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 4, followed by another free performance in Miami on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Tickets for the free concerts will be distributed at Obama’s local campaign offices, according to AllHipHop.com.

Obama, who admitted a fondness for Jay-Z and Kanye West, expressed his support for Hip-Hop during an interview with MTV personality Sway, following his first presidential debate in Greensboro, North Carolina this past Friday.

He also praised the entrepreneurial mind state that rappers often possess.

In related news, Obama will debate Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain two more times: once in Tennessee on Oct. 7 and again in New York on Oct. 15.

Hip-Hop Record Sales Low; Rebound Possible With Kanye and Ludacris Albums

Record labels are approaching another financially weak year, as a minimum of 200 million albums in the last quarter is now required in order to break even with last year’s low total.

According to Variety, the music industry officially closed out with a total of 297.9 million albums sold for the third quarter making it already 12 percent less than the previous year. 2007 saw a total of 500.5 million in sales with over 30 percent of the records purchased stemming from the fourth quarter. However, this year the industry would have to up that amount to over 40 percent.

With a strong line-up of upcoming albums believed to drop before 2009 including releases from Kanye West, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes and possible albums from Dr. Dre, Eminem and Andre 3000, the goal may still be attainable.

Aside from a wide range in pricing beginning around $9 to $16 for an album, insiders have alleged that it’s the power of digital singles selling for less than a dollar via sites like iTunes that have helped them bypass the supremacy of full-length discs. The fourth quarter has already seen significant digital sales with Kanye’s latest single "Love Lockdown" which has continued to climb up the charts.

Another major concern for record labels is the reduction in inventory at major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy while other popular stores including Circuit City may be on the verge of bankruptcy with stock down 82 percent this year.

Despite initial concern from insiders, a selection of recently released albums have helped the industry rebound including Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter III that went platinum in seven days alone, along with Tuesday’s release of T.I.’s Paper Trail reportedly projecting to sell close to 500,000 in its opening week sales.

As reported by SOHH, record companies have begun taking notice in the lack of sales and space in retail stores and have teamed up with SanDisk Corp to create album-filled memory cards that will be usable on mobile phones, PCs and select portable MP3 players.

The required $200 million in sales would have to occur before January 4 to break even with last year’s total, according to SOHH.com.

Usher Unveils New Lingerie Line

R&B sensation Usher has already aroused our senses with his sensual fragrance for men and women, now he's hoping to heat things up even more in the bedroom with his own lingerie line.

The hitmaker was spotted at the Marlies Dekkers runway show at Paris Fashion Week in France over the weekend, where he confessed he was seeking inspiration for his own saucy garments, according to WWD.com.

"I'm launching a lingerie line for men and women," he reveals. He insists "comfort and intimacy" will be key in his new line.

The first samples will be featured in his new video "Trading Places".

According to reports, Usher isn't the only R&B star getting ready to launch a lingerie line - Janet Jackson will unveil her Pleasure Principle lingerie in November.

Gwen Stefani: Sexy at Cedars-Sinai

Carrying one of her super chic L.A.M.B designer handbags, Gwen Stefani was spotted out in the parking garage at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday (October 2).

The No Doubt songstress reportedly had baby Zuma in the car while she visited the hospital, but she always keeps her little man close to her heart with her charm necklace that has the initial “Z” inscribed for her newborn.

In related news, E! is reporting that later on tonight, Gwen’s Harajuku Lovers characters “Love, Angel, Music, Baby and G” are headed to the streets of Montreal and Toronto in “a special Harajuku Lovers trailer that will travel each city, sharing perfume samples and blasting Gwen’s music.”

Of helping Gwen promote her scents, the Global Marketing Director for Gwen Stefani Fragrances said, “Gwen is amazing and totally down to earth, like talking to your sister. She’s passionate about her fragrance line and is very easy to work with.”

Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu Pair Up For HSM3

Joining co-stars Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron on an overseas promotional trip, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu attended the Spanish premiere of “High School Musical 3” in Madrid on Thursday (October 2).

With Spain being the latest stop on the “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” European press tour, the cast will soon be headed off to visit Germany and England.

From there, it’s back to the States for the co-star couple, as there’s plenty of press work to be done Stateside leading up to the film’s theatrical release on October 24th.

The highly-anticipated Disney flick sees “Favorite high school students (Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman) hit senior year. Amidst a basketball championship, prom and a big spring musical featuring all of the Wildcats, Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) vow to make every moment last, as their lifelong college dreams put the future of their relationship in question. A crew of sophomore Wildcats (Matt Prokop, Justin Martin and Jemma Mckenzie-Brown) joins in the fun as the film’s incredible new music and exciting dance numbers take maximum advantage of the big screen.”

Lindsay Lohan: Back to the LA Life

Just returned from a beach trip to Los Cabos with girlfriend Samantha Ronson, Lindsay Lohan was spotted getting back into the swing of things in Los Angeles on Thursday (October 2).

The “Mean Girls” starlet ventured on over to a local carry-out - emerging with a bag of Doritos and a soda as she did her best to avoid eye contact with pursuing paparazzi.


Meanwhile, rumors keep building in regards to LiLo’s housing plans - as she and DJ Ronson are said-to-be planning to set up a home together in New York City’s posh Dakota Building.

Of the decision, a friend told press, “They want a fresh start. They’re going to settle down in the city and eventually get married. Everything is falling into place - and Lindsay has never been happier.”

Heidi and Spencer Team Up with Taco Bell

For the second year in a row, reality TV stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt joined forces with Taco Bell to help raise awareness in support of World Hunger Relief Movement and The World Food Programme on Thursday (October 2).

The “Hills” co-star couple smilingly posed for photographers as they fed each other tacos in between serving up Taco Bell fare to the store’s customers.

It’s time for a reality check with world hunger. Nearly one billion people go to bed hungry every night, and with the cost of food skyrocketing around the globe, more people are struggling to get a meal,” said Greg Creed, president, Taco Bell Corp.

“Heidi and Spencer have graciously helped with our inaugural program and we are fortunate to have them championing this cause for a second year. We are grateful and appreciate their efforts volunteering to feed those in need and helping raise awareness of the global hunger crisis,” Mr Creed added.

Donations were being taken in amounts as little as $1 - with all proceeds raised in the U.S. going directly to The World Food Programme to help combat global hunger.

Her fame has reached a new level, thanks to her new reality show “Brooke Knows Best.” And last night (October 1), Brooke Hogan was spotted hamming it up at the Bejeweled Swimwear show as part of Funkshion Fashion Week in Miami, Florida.

Miss Hogan gladly posed for pictures and signed autographs outside the Setai Hotel, sporting a pink cardigan overtop an animal print bra with a belly chain and black stretch pants.

And according to FOX Pop Tarts’ Hollie McKay, Brooke ‘can’t get no satisfaction.’ She was overheard answering a question about her romantic affairs, telling, “What love life? I’m not gay but I might as well be. I’m the [woman] of the group. We live a gay lifestyle.”

She also revealed that she tries to shield herself from the media whenever possible. “I never read tabloids, I never buy books or go on Perez Hilton and I never ever watch the news. All news is bad. You never hear them say, ‘This dog gave birth to six puppies today.’ It’s always negative, like, ‘All these people got killed.’ I stay totally away from it.”

Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson Return from Mexico

Earlier this week, they escaped to Los Cabos, Mexico for a relaxing romantic getaway. And yesterday (October 1), Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson were spotted returning back home.

The “Labor Pains” babe and her deejay lover arrived at LAX International Airport looking sun-kissed and a bit camera shy as they made their way from the terminal to the car.

And in the latest installment of LiLo’s dad Michael’s rants, he’s still running his mouth about his disapproval of her relationship with Ronson. “Samantha lives a life that I don’t approve of. I absolutely do not accept Lindsay’s relationship with Samantha. I know Sam’s history and what is going on.”

He also said that he doesn’t care what the public thinks about his mode of parenting. “I’m doing all I can to help Lindsay and if people want to slay me, then so be it. I’m her father first, not her friend.”

Miley Cyrus: Fake Bake Fan

Between her singing and acting careers, she doesn’t have much time to lay out in the sun. So instead, Miley Cyrus works on her tan in the tanning bed!

And last night, the “7 Things” songstress was spotted on her way out of the Sunlounge Tanningi Salon in Los Angeles, looking a bit blushed as she hammed it up for the paparazzi.

Sporting a big smile, Miss Cyrus rocked a white silkscreened t-shirt teamed with a pair of yellow Capri sweatpants with silver flip flops.

And though some stars have tattoos of their lover’s initials, Miley seemed content to scribble “JG + MC = <3” on her left wrist during a recent concert to show her love for Justin Gaston.

Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson: Beach Bliss

Continuing along on their week of beach fun, Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson were spotted out soaking up the sun in Los Cabos, Mexico on Wednesday (October 1).

For the third straight day, the “Georgia Rule” actress and her British DJ girlfriend splashed about in the water in between sessions lounging on beach recliners by the waterside.

“This is the first healthy relationship Lindsay has ever had,” a pal of Miss Lohan told OK! magazine. “Both Lindsay and Samantha have total mutual respect and love for each other. All the nonsense Lindsay’s had in past relationships – the crazy fights, cheating and general immaturity – is totally absent. This is the real thing.”

And while LiLo just confirmed her “more than friends” arrangement with Miss Ronson during a September 21st interview, OK!’s insider tells, “Samantha and Lindsay have been ‘out’ to friends for a few months now.”