Entertainment News

1. Janelle Monae, "ArchAndroid": Monae's "ArchAndroid" was a pure dreamland that wove in Walt Disney influences, Fela and James Brown-inspired beats, Outkast-style rhymes and Beatle-esque melodies for a heavenly, spectacular debut that envelops you completely in her fantasy world.

2. Kanye West, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy": It's typical for artists who feel persecuted in the press to spill out their anger, frustration and pity in song; thankfully, West's stunning fifth album doesn't go down that road. Instead, he brilliantly owns up to his dysfunction, acknowledging his flaws through (mostly) flawless tracks, gripping in their honesty and riveting in their musicality. Kanye can get away with being a jerk, as long as he makes music this amazing.

3. Eminem, "Recovery": There are elements of Slim Shady, but what makes "Recovery" so commanding is hearing Marshall Mathers confront his demons with brutal honesty — and, of course, warped wit — on an album that restored his much-deserved reputation as one of rap's all-time greats.

4. Sia, "We Are Born": When word came that Sia was going to put out a dance album, there was every reason to fear that the serious songbird was taking an ill-advised jump on the Lady Gaga bandwagon. But Sia charts her own path with "We Are Born," an album filled with infectious grooves, and it keeps you engaged even when the tempo slows.

5. R. Kelly, "Love Letter": No midgets, no booty calls, no sex in the kitchen. R. Kelly trades perversion for perfection on the old-school throwback "Love Letter" — classy and classic.

6. Taylor Swift, "Speak Now": Swift gets a lot of attention for her read-between-the-lines tomes, but after the guessing game stops (is this one about John Mayer? Is that one about Taylor Lautner?), what remains are terrific, compelling songs with rich plot lines that will stay with you long after the gossip fades.

7. Sade, "Soldier of Love": Sade's music is so reliable in its greatness that sometimes people — say, Grammy voters — forget how much work it takes to be so good. Always alluring, always enchanting, always sensuous, Sade — with her first album in 10 years — returns with an exquisite collection of entrancing songs.

8. Corinne Bailey Rae, "The Sea": Rae channeled her grief over the untimely death of her husband into "The Sea," but what developed is an album that's wistful and peppered with optimism in the face of despair.

9. Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs, "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise": Ray LaMontagne has been known for his masterful songwriting for some time, but on "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise" — a sometimes morose, heartbreaking collection of despairing tracks — his lyrical gifts are perhaps at its best, especially on the track with which any New Yorker can identify: "New York City's Killing Me."

10. Gorillaz, "Plastic Beach": The cartoon gimmick may have lost its edge, but the Gorillaz haven't: "Plastic Beach" blends hip-hop, funk, rock and electronica for spacey party grooves.

Honorable mentions: Vampire Weekend, "Contra"; Lizz Wright, "Fellowship"; Drake, "Thank Me Later"; Florence & The Machine, "Lungs."

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – At a conference six months ago, Facebook's 26-year-old chief executive was literally dripping in sweat as he fielded tough questions about his company's privacy practices and a forthcoming movie portraying him as manipulative and arrogant.

On Wednesday, a poised, perspiration-free portrait of Mark Zuckerberg graced the cover of Time magazine, which crowned him its Person of the Year, capping what may be one of corporate America's most remarkable transformations.

The make-over of Zuckerberg's public image has been hard to miss, with a high-profile donation to New Jersey public schools in September and appearances on television programs like "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "60 Minutes." It has occurred as Facebook, the world's No. 1 Internet social network, sees its audience of "friends" and its influence swell.

Facebook may not need a smiling Zuckerberg to thrive, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

"He is the face of the company," said Paul Argenti, a professor of corporate communication at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, who said "The Social Network," the fictionalized film about Facebook's controversial creation in a Harvard dorm room in 2004, "put (Zuckerberg's) reputation up for grabs."

"He's been on a tear to repair that," Argenti said.

The film, which recounted claims that Zuckerberg stole the idea for Facebook from a separate project spearheaded by classmates (which led to a lawsuit that has been settled), came out at the same time as reports surfaced in online blogs suggesting Zuckerberg had shown a cavalier attitude toward Facebook users' privacy in the company's early days.

WHO'S BEHIND THE TRANSFORMATION?

The change is more than image-deep. The redheaded CEO, whose net worth was recently estimated at $6.9 billion by Forbes magazine, was prone to awkwardness in interviews in the past, with a demeanor that made him seem aloof.

But he has appeared decidedly more comfortable in his interactions with reporters in recent months.

During a recent discussion with reporters, he played with a boomerang and cracked jokes, nothing like the stiff and guarded delivery of previous encounters.

Whether Zuckerberg has simply found his comfort zone as a result of a string of back-to-back media briefings and product announcements, or extensive coaching, or a combination of the two, is not clear.

Facebook has its share of executives well-versed in public image, including Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, chief of staff for the U.S. Treasury Department under President Bill Clinton.

Facebook spokesman Jonny Thaw declined to comment on the matter, but analysts saw Zuckerberg simply being more open.

"One of the things he's done is he's made a conscious move to not let somebody else define who he is, but to go out and sort of let people know who he is," said Jim Bates, of the crisis communications firm Sitrick and Company, which has helped rehabilitate the images of such clients as R&B singer Chris Brown and celebrity socialite Paris Hilton.

Some industry insiders see the efforts to improve Zuckerberg's image as reminiscent of another out-sized technology figure. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft Corp, was often criticized for cut-throat business practices and a brusque personality during the 1990s.

That edge has softened in recent years, particularly as he has focused on philanthropic work, which ear

Aretha Franklin

Soul legend Aretha Franklin says she feels "great" and is "piddling around the house" as she follows doctors orders to rest at home after surgery two weeks ago.

"I feel great," Franklin told JET magazine in her first interview since being discharged from a Detroit area hospital earlier this week.

"The doctors say I can do whatever I feel like I am up to do. Of course, that doesn't mean any concerts or anything like that. But I can do things around the house, and today I am just piddling around the house," she said.

Franklin, 68, underwent surgery about two weeks ago that she has called "highly successful."

Both the Detroit News and the city's Fox TV station said this month that Franklin was battling pancreatic cancer, the disease that claimed actor Patrick Swayze last year.

She has not commented on her specific illness, but she did tell JET she would have more to say on her diagnosis shortly.

"I am putting Aretha together first. We will put Ree Ree together first. This is Aretha time to do whatever it is that I need to do. But I will talk more later," Franklin said.

A monumental figure in American popular music, Franklin dominated the soul landscape during the 1960s and 1970s with such songs as "Think," "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman."

The daughter of a preacher and civil rights activist, Franklin revisited her roots with several acclaimed live gospel albums, including her 1972 Grammy winner "Amazing Grace."

Franklin said doctors had told her to rest at home for about eight weeks.

She said she had received messages of support from a number of people including Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Condoleeza Rice.

Franklin said she was thankful for her fellow gospel performers saying a little prayer for her.

"They know I am a praying woman," she said. "They pray without ceasing for me."

(Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Grammy Award winning singer Mariah Carey is expecting twins, her husband Nick Cannon told a U.S. radio show on Thursday.

Cannon said on the 92.3 Now radio show that Carey first told President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama about the twins after a recent performance. Carey announced in October she was pregnant.

"She shared with the President and the First Lady that we are having twins," the 30-year-old rapper and TV host said, but he did not reveal the sex of each twin. "I haven't even told my wife I was doing this, so I am probably going to get yelled at for not getting permission."

The couple had delayed telling people about the pregnancy and expected twins due to a miscarriage Carey suffered two years ago, Cannon said.

A recent ultrasound revealed, "everything is A-OK, both babies are healthy, in tip-top shape. The doctors are extremely happy. We are extremely happy," Cannon said.

(Reporting by Christine Kearney, editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

Nick and Mariah Cannon

NEW YORK - Grammy Award winning singer Mariah Carey is expecting twins, her husband Nick Cannon told a U.S. radio show on Thursday.

Cannon said on the 92.3 Now radio show that Carey first told President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama about the twins after a recent performance. Carey announced in October she was pregnant.

"She shared with the President and the First Lady that we are having twins," the 30-year-old rapper and TV host said, but he did not reveal the sex of each twin. "I haven't even told my wife I was doing this, so I am probably going to get yelled at for not getting permission."

The couple had delayed telling people about the pregnancy and expected twins due to a miscarriage Carey suffered two years ago, Cannon said.

A recent ultrasound revealed, "everything is A-OK, both babies are healthy, in tip-top shape. The doctors are extremely happy. We are extremely happy," Cannon said.

Source: Reuters - Christine Kearney, Bob Tourtellotte

PHOENIX – Court officials in Arizona say the rapper known as DMX has had his probation revoked and is heading to prison for one year.

The Maricopa County Superior Court issued the ruling Thursday against the rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons.

Simmons was arrested last month for violating probation. He told KSAZ-TV in Phoenix he was kicked out of a drug treatment program because he had a drink at a Scottsdale club during a performance.

Court documents allege Simmons failed to submit to drug testing and drove on a suspended license.

Simmons was placed on probation last year after convictions for attempted aggravated assault for throwing a food tray at a jail guard, and theft for trying to using a fake name to avoid paying a $7,500 hospital bill.

Court officials in Arizona say the rapper known as DMX has had his probation revoked and is heading to prison for one year.

The Maricopa County Superior Court issued the ruling Thursday against the rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons.

Simmons was arrested last month for violating probation. He told KSAZ-TV in Phoenix he was kicked out of a drug treatment program because he had a drink at a Scottsdale club during a performance.

Court documents allege Simmons failed to submit to drug testing and drove on a suspended license.

Simmons was placed on probation last year after convictions for attempted aggravated assault for throwing a food tray at a jail guard, and theft for trying to using a fake name to avoid paying a $7,500 hospital bill.

The 2 Live Crew To Tour Australia Beginning December 26-January 8, 2010

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 16, 2010

The original bad boys of rap, The 2 Live Crew (Brother Marquis and Fresh Kid Ice), will perform their first Australian concerts, beginning on December 26th- through January 8th, bringing Aussie fans a "hot 'n' nasty" Christmas present and the perfect way to ring in the new year.

The tour kicks off on December 26th in Perth, at the Belvoir Amphitheatre, and will travel to the Espy in Melbourne and Sussex Inlet in New South Wales before wrapping things up in Sydney at the Forum. Brother Marquis and Fresh Kid Ice will perform classics like "Me So Horny," "Hoochie Mama", "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" as well as smokin' tracks from their upcoming new album, Just Wanna Be Heard(Lil Joe Records). Australia, get ready for "Boom," "Cougar," "Just Wanna Be Heard" and many more.

"We are ready for Australia," says Fresh Kid Ice. "We hope they're ready for us! We'll be playing the old hits and the new songs, and since it's a 2 Live Crew show, anything can happen."

"We're looking forward to it," says Brother Marquis. "We're doing it old school, playing all the hits, some new stuff, and it's all full of energy. With 2 Live Crew it's start fast, then a fast song and more fast songs. We line 'em up back to back."

It's been 20 years since 2 Live Crew were acquitted of violating obscenity laws during a concert in Broward County, Florida. The album, As Nasty As They Wanna Be, kept them in the headlines, with charges of probable cause for obscenity that went all the way to the U.S. Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. While 2 Live Crew is still remembered for the content that got them there, the fact is that the band made history when the ruling was overturned and the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal.

"We're glad to be a part of history, going all the way to the Supreme Court," says Brother Marquis. "No other rappers can say that. But we went through a lot to get there and to win."

"It's a good thing to be recognized for that and for opening the doors for other artists," says Fresh Kid Ice, "but our thing is to continue making music and be as relevant now as we were then. We see a lot of young groups making music a career, like it has been for us, so anything we did that helped make it happen is a positive thing."

What's important now to 2 Live Crew is to bring their show to old and new fans, so look for them on the road throughout 2011. "We want everybody to come see us and support our tour," says Fresh Kid Ice. "Look for all the new singles on iTunes. Pick them up, download them, and get to know us so we can get to know you. Look for us on Myspace and Facebook. It's gonna be a party and we're looking forward to it!"

"Right we're in the history books," says Brother Marquis. "And we're gonna be in more books! We're not done with y'all. Australia -- come and see us! Everyone else, we're comin' to see you too."

You have been warned …

Tour Dates:

Sunday, 26 December 2010 Perth Show Venue: Belvoir Amphitheatre

Saturday, 1 January 2011 Melbourne Show Venue: The Espy

Sunday, 2 January 2011 New South Wales Venue: Sussex Inlet

Thursday, 6 Ja

Don Cheadle is hoping Hollywood jumps aboard the Miles Davis train.

The "Iron Man 2" actor helped shape the screenplay for a Davis biopic in which he would star as the legendary jazz trumpeter and musical innovator. Herbie Hancock has reportedly been tapped to score the film.

"We just turned in the script and we're going to find some money to make this thing," Cheadle told The Hollywood Reporter at a party to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Bitches Brew," Davis' game-changing improvisational double album.

"Now is a good time, 10 years ago would have been a good time, and 10 years from now it will still be a good time to see a dynamic, entertaining movie that's wall-to-wall Miles Davis where the music will hopefully spark some desire to know more about the man."

Said screenwriter Steven Vegelman: "There would not be a screenplay without Don Cheadle. We've had our nose to the ground doing a lot of researching, talking, walking, watching and listening ... It's been an enlightening experience, to say the least."

Being so close to the project posed extra pressure for Cheadle, who's not just a friend to Davis' son Erin and the estate, but a diehard fan.

"We're trying to do what Miles Davis would have wanted us to do, which is approach it as artists with his life as the canvas," Cheadle said. "In being successful, some people say he sold out, but it's the opposite. You can stay in one place forever and try to make the same money from the same core fans, but saying to your audience, 'I'm going here now, come along or don't,' that's brave, risky and dangerous. That's what he did, and that's what we're trying to honor in this story -- that kind of spirit."

"Miles was at a juncture in his life where, if he didn't rediscover the art, he would die," added Vegelman. "And Don has this point of view about bringing in other hip-hop artists, to play with Miles Davis' music so the idea is for somebody to hear Jay-Z's version then turn to the original to learn more about Miles Davis."

That's a hypothetical Jay-Z, as the rapper has yet to be secured for the project, but Cheadle has plenty of artists in mind to play some sort of role in the biopic. "When Miles left this Earth (in 1991), he was already working with Prince, Snoop Dogg understands the music ... Miles always wanted to do what was happening now. If you said the word 'jazz' to him, he'd give you a smack -- social music, that's what it's called."

Promising a movie that's "on the edge and feels a little bit dangerous," the two are hoping studios both major and indie will appreciate the need to recognize the legendary musician with an atypical biopic. "I think audiences are really sophisticated now and can understand that this is the kind of story that flips the biography on its head."

50 Cent

NEW YORK - 50 Cent made a hit song out of talking about how he gets money. Now another rapper wants to get some too — from 50 Cent.

Lawyers for Tyrone Simmons, an Atlanta rapper who goes by "Caliber," filed a copyright infringement lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Brooklyn.

The lawsuit names 50 Cent, along with the producer who created the instrumental beat for the 2007 hit song, "I Get Money," and a host of music industry companies.

The lawsuit seeks damages and says Simmons had bought exclusive rights to the instrumental track, and that 50 Cent and others infringed on his rights by using it.

A representative for 50 Cent's record company declined comment. Contact information for the producer could not be found.