July 23rd, 2010
Wyclef Considering Presidential Run In Haiti
Former Fugees rapper, and Haiti native, Wyclef Jean is considering running for president in his homeland. Canada's "Le Droit" first reported over the weekend that the hip-hop star was adding his name to a list of candidates, but Jean has since told CNN that he hasn't made up his mind yet. Jean says he's filled out the necessary paperwork in case he does decide to run, adding, quote, "I can't sing forever." Wyclef Jean has been a vocal supporter of Haiti with his Yele Haiti Foundation, and has been working hard to rebuild the country ever since a massive earthquake struck the nation earlier this year.
The Yele Haiti Foundation has released a statement regarding Wyclef's possible foray into politics saying, quote, "Wyclef's commitment to his homeland and its youth is boundless, and he will remain its greatest supporter regardless of whether he is part of they government moving forward." They add, quote, "At this time, Wyclef Jean has not announced his intent to run for Haitian president. If and when a decision is made, media will be alerted immediately."
DMX Heading Back Behind Bars
Troubled rap star DMX is heading back to jail yet again. The emcee's manager tells TMZ.com that "X" plans to surrender to authorities in a Los Angeles courtroom and begin serving time for a 2002 reckless driving conviction. DMX was reportedly placed on probation after pleading no contest, but has since violated his probation. He must now serve 90 days in a city jail facility. DMX's manager says the rapper is determined to resolve his legal issues and move on with his life. The "Slippin'" rapper was released from an Arizona jail earlier this month after serving four months for a probation violation. He was also jailed in 2009 for pleading guilty to theft, drug possession and animal cruelty. DMX is reportedly working on two new albums titled "Walk With Me Now" and "You'll Fly with Me Later," both of which are targeted for a 2010 release.
Foxy Brown Hits The Stage Following Arrest
Rap diva Foxy Brown wasted little time getting back to her career following her arrest last week for allegedly violating a protective order. The "New York Daily News" is reporting that the "femcee" performed at New York's B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on Sunday night. Foxy treated fans to hits like "Candy" and "Get You Home," while also telling the audience that her recent legal troubles won't be holding her down. Foxy Brown was arrested last Wednesday for allegedly getting into an argument with her neighbor, Arlene Raymond, who had previously obtained an order of protection against the rapper. During the dispute, Foxy Brown is alleged to have flashed her backside at Raymond.
She has since pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal contempt, which is a felony, and was released from police custody last Thursday after posting five-thousand dollars bail. If convicted, Foxy Brown could spend up to seven years in prison. She is due back in court for another hearing today.
Judge In C-Murder Case Being Investigated By Judiciary Commission
There's a new wrinkle in New Orleans rapper C-Murder's murder case. According to the "Times-Picayune," a state panel that examines judicial misconduct is investigating a 24th Judicial District Court judge who was involved in the case. The identity of the judge is not known because the Judicial Commission's investigations are kept secret unless charges are filed with the state Supreme Court. There is speculation, however, that the commission's investigation is tied to a decision made by then-Judge Martha Sassone in October 2008. During her re-election bid against Ellen Kovach, C-Murder asked that Sassone postpone the trial until after the election because Kovach's campaign was attacking Sassone's controversial rulings in the case. Sassone declined the request, but turned the matter over to the Judiciary Commission.
The Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee eventually ruled that Kovach crossed ethical lines by using C-Murder's case in her campaign. Kovach went on to win the election and removed herself from the case. C-Murder is serving a life sentence for shooting and killing 16-year-old Steve Thomas at a nightclub in 2002. He claims he is innocent and is appealing the ruling.
Drake Says Lil Wayne Rapped To Him Over The Phone
Incarcerated emcee Lil Wayne apparently hasn't lost his touch while behind bars. Wayne's Young Money labelmate Drake recently caught up with MTV News and said "Weezy" is still spitting fire. He states, quote, "He called me the other day from jail and rapped me two verses," adding, quote, "he's really got bars and he's rapping from a broader life perspective, saying these things people love to hear." Drake says he doesn't expect Lil Wayne's time in jail to have a negative effect on his career, noting that his fans love "whatever he does." "Drizzy" adds, quote, "There's no doubt in my mind that people are waiting for that 'I'm Not a Human Being,' that 'Carter Four,' that Wayne and Drake album. All that!"
Lil Wayne is currently serving a one-year sentence for weapons charges in New York's Rikers Island. Earlier this month it was reported that he is expected to be released on November 4th. It has also been announced that Lil Wayne is planning to release a new EP called "I'm Not a Human Being" on his birthday, September 27th.
Romeo Miller Introduces College Boyys Clothing
Hip-hop star Romeo Miller is entering the world of fashion. The emcee is giving fans a new, affordable clothing option with his College Boyys clothing line. Young stars like Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith are already rocking the polos, t-shirts, jeans, hooded sweatshirts and button downs that College Boyys provides. Along with keeping America's youth looking good, College Boyys is also promoting the importance of education. The tag on each article of clothing includes a positive message about education, while a percentage of College Boyys' proceeds will be donated to youth programs and scholarship funds.
Romeo says his father, Master P, helped inspire his clothing line explaining, quote, "When I was a kid, my dad use to write with a marker on my t-shirt 'I'm going to college' and that imprint stuck in my head and made a difference to me in my life, turning it into a reality." Romeo Miller is also a part of the rap group College Boyys. They plan on releasing their debut album, "Spring Break," later this year.
Movie And TV 411:
President Obama is about to go where no sitting president has gone before -- to a daytime talk show. The commander-in-chief is scheduled to appear on Thursday's episode of ABC's "The View" as part of the show's "Red, White & Blue View" campaign. The President will become the first sitting U.S. president to appear on a daytime talk show. According to "The Los Angeles Times," President Obama will tape his interview on Wednesday ahead of the Thursday airing. He is expected to talk about jobs, the economy, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and his administration's accomplishments. He will also discuss lighter fare, like living in the White House with his family. "View" host Barbara Walters will join her co-hosts to interview President Obama. The interview will mark a return to the daytime show for Walters who has been recovering from heart valve surgery.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey and the Duchess of York -- Sarag Ferguson -- are joining forces once again on the small screen. "Broadcasting & Cable" reports that the Oprah Winfrey Network, or "OWN," as it is called, is in discussions to create a docu-series around Ferguson. An OWN spokesperson said, quote, "We have had initial conversations with Sarah Ferguson about a docu-series, not a talk show, but there is nothing to announce at this time." OWN will debut on cable on New Year's Day 2011. Reports of Ferguson's OWN series comes just weeks after the former British royal sat down with the Queen of Talk to address a bit of controversy. In June, Ferguson gave a high-profile interview to Winfrey regarding her alleged attempt to sell access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, to an undercover reporter for a British tabloid.
Source: Metro News Service