Word on the Street...

-Rap icon KRS-ONE has launched his own religion, complete with a 600 page 'Bible' for potential followers. He's written a 600 page bible called The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument.

In an interview with All Hip Hop.com, KRS says of his book: "It explores the spirituality of hip hop, the divinity of hip hop. I'm suggesting that in 100 years, this book will be a new religion on the earth. Now you talk about controversy, there's some Christian ministries if you go online, look up some ministers, they dissing right now. 'Who the hell does he think he is?' Well, I think I have the authority to approach God directly, I don't have to go through any religion (or) train of thought. I can approach God directly myself and so I wrote a book called 'The Gospel Of Hip Hop' to free from all this nonsense garbage right now. Respect (to) the Christianity, the Islam, the Judaism but their time is up."

-KRS One is featured in a documentary entitled 'The Obama Deception'. He had this to say: “If they controlled it before, what makes you think they're not controlling it now? The country was on the verge of revolution. They threw a Black man up, now we like this (complacent). They put a Black face on the New World Order and now we all happy. KRS ain't buying it.”

For more on The Obama Deception, check out the link: http://hiphopwired.com/7285/krs-one-breaks-down-the-new-world-order-the-obama-deception/

-Venus and Serena Williams are now part owners of the Miami Dolphins.

u go girls!

-Hip-hop entrepreneur Jay-Z is aiming to move his basketball team the New Jersey Nets to his native Brooklyn, New York by the end of next year (2010).

His plans have been hampered by a number of legal delays, but Jay-Z reveals progress is being made and he's looking to unveil the Nets' new home in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Prospect Heights by December 2010.

Jay-Z says, "We're trying to get to Brooklyn, I think in early December; we'll start building the new stadium, it'll take hopefully a year (to complete)." The rapper wants the team's new move to be coupled with a new name - the Brooklyn Nets - and he's keen to add his pal LeBron James to the line-up when the basketball ace's contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers is up.

-A movie is currently in the works on the life of Whitney Houston. No word yet on who will portray Houston.

The movie will depict her rise to stardom, her tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown, her drug abuse and her recent comeback.

-Janet Jackson will do a duet with Madonna.

Word on the Street...

-New Jersey net Richard Jeffersen dumped his bride-to-be, former nets dancer Keshia Ni'cole, the night before the ceremony, via email *dead*

In an interview following the breakup, richard said he gave her a six figure settlement to help her 'get on with her life'; he went on to say "It's so crazy, the divorce rate out there. If you aren't 100% certain about something, you shouldn't do it."

-Johnny Depp has his eye on a gender-bending movie role - he would love to portray singer/actress Carol Channing in a biopic.

He says, “My dream role would be to play musical legend Carol Channing in a biopic of her life. I love her, I really do, she’s amazing. With all the digital technology these days, I could probably pull it off!”

-Whitney Houston was so terrified of showcasing her new album at a launch party, she hid in another room until the entire CD had played.

The singer is currently trying to work her way back to the top of the charts with "I Look To You," her first record in seven years.

A source tells Britain's London Lite newspaper, "There were music press from around the world and VIP guests present. Whitney was so nervous she was hiding behind a door while everyone listened."

But the star made sure she expressed her gratitude for the critics' support, emerging after the CD had played and thanking each of her guests for coming.

Word on the Street

-Unconfirmed rumour: claims that Morgan Freeman is involved in a sexual relationship with his step-granddaughter, E'Dena (his first wife's granddaughter); it is alleged that this is the reason for the breakdown of his second marriage.

Morgan's publicist has dismissed rumours that the star plans to wed his step-granddaughter.

-At the Lebron James Skill Academy, a camp for up and coming high school and college basketball players, Xavier University player Jordan Crawford dunked on Lebron James. That is usually no big deal but what is so strange is that Nike took the tapes so that nobody else could see it happen. Reporters who were at the camp were shocked when this happened and even more surprised when Lebron didn’t stop the Nike reps from doing it.

-Samuel L. Jackson is fighting back against harsh online critics; the actor is challenging his internet bullies to deliver their blows during face-to-face meetings. The star admits he can't stop reading reviews about himself and he wants to fight back, he is disturbed by bloggers hiding behind their anonymity.

Jackson says, "All these people can sit at home and can blog. They can say bad things about you online and you don't know who they are but they know who I am. It's totally unfair."

-Rap legend Dr. Dre will tease fans with samples from his much anticipated new album "Detox," in new TV advertisements for soda brand Dr. Pepper. The hip-hop star fronts the drink company's new "Trust Me, I'm A Doctor," campaign, and he's using the TV spots to drum up publicity for his third album, as well as his Beats By Dre headphones.

In the ad, Dre says, "Scientific tests prove when you drink Dr. Pepper slow, the 23 flavors taste even better. For me, slow always produces a hit. "Slower is better-trust me, I'm a doctor."
Detox is expected to be released later this year (09).

-Michael Jackson is opening a 'Thriller' casino. The 50-year-old singer is reportedly planning to launch the zombie-themed gambling den in Las Vegas next year.

Also, Michael Jackson decided to go back on tour for the first time in 13 years to build a trust fund for his children, according to the organizer of his upcoming London concerts. Michael Jackson has ordered his promoters to build a replica of his former Neverland ranch when he stays in the U.K. this summer (09).

-Vivica A. Fox has been left stunned by the sudden death of her "Kill Bill," co-star David Carradine, and she's struggling to accept the possibility he committed suicide.

-Whitney Houston is officially ready to make her chart comeback-she's set to release her highly-anticipated new album "Undefeated" in September of this year.

-Irv Gotti is fuming over Vibe's decision to name Eminem the Best Rapper Alive, insisting he'd be laughed out of a hip-hop contest with stars like Jay-Z, DMX and Ja Rule.

lol @ jah rule

-Bosses at animal rights group PETA want rapper T.I. to bare all after he's released from jail; for their famous "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur," campaign.

Word on the Street

-Dexter King, son of Dr. Martin Luther King, jr, has sold the rights to his his father's biopic. word is that Steven Spielberg bought the rights for Dreamworks. Dexter King's siblings are suing because there were excluded from the decision to sell the rights, they found out via email after the sale. noise on the street is that dexter is broke

*update: production of the biopic is on hold until the King's kids sort out their legal issues...tbc

-Mariah Carey landed more than just a big pay check for a private gig in Turkey this past weekend...she was also gifted with one million dollar's worth of diamonds. The singer was paid a staggering $1.5 million for her appearance and performance at the launch of the Mardan Palace in Antalya, Europe's most expensive luxury resort.

-R&B singer Rihanna will make her acting debut in new movie "Personal Protection," later this year (09).The singer recently denied rumors she'll star in a big screen remake of Whitney Houston's 1992 classic "The Bodyguard." But Rihanna appears to have changed her mind and has signed on to the forthcoming film. She is taking her foray into the movie industry seriously...she's enrolled in acting classes in New York to prepare her for the role. A source tells the New York Daily News, "Rihanna will start filming Personal Protection later this year. "She's not ready, acting-wise, yet, so she's meeting with a coach."

give me a gd break. there are so many talented black actresses being pushed aside and good roles are going to inadequate singers and rappers. why? because of name and popularity? very lame. its a gd shame, that movie is already 'straight to dvd' imho. seriously, this is way out of control. nia long, tisha campbell and sanaa lathan must be mad as hell right about now. speaking for tisha campbell, can u believe beyawnce is set to play eartha kitt?? lol *smdh*

ridamdiculous.

- Hip-hop super producer Timbaland has landed his own beat-making video game after partnering with the team behind the "Grand Theft Auto," series.

Also, Timbaland is suing Blackground Records claiming they're jealous of his success as a producer and performer and is accusing them of contacting other labels to tell them not to hire him and stiffing him out of money; he wants out of his contract plus monetary damages.

-Female rap pioneer Yo-Yo is set to release her first album in 13 years.

The Grammy-nominated star has been largely absent from the hip-hop scene since the 1996 release of her disc "Total Control"

She's making her return with "My Journey To Fearless: The Black Butterfly," and she's brought in pal Missy Elliot and singer Keri Hilson to help her comeback appeal to younger audiences.

-Mos Def is delving into the fashion game.

The Brooklyn MC has teamed up with street wear label UNDRCRWN for its Spring 2009 campaign, set to drop on the company’s website, UNDRCRWN.com.

According to WoooHa.com, the designs are heavily inspired by the cover artwork of the 2004 Dead Prez album, Revolutionary But Gangsta.

Mos Def news, the rapper-actor will also be releasing his fourth solo, The Ecstatic, on June 9th

-SYLVESTER STALLONE has defended his decision to cast rapper 50 CENT in his forthcoming movie THE EXPENDABLES - after fans slammed the casting call in an online forum.

The Rocky veteran is currently shooting the all-star action film The Expendables in Brazil, which sees some of Tinsletown’s most notorious action stars team up, including Jet Li, Mickey Rourke and Jason Statham.

Forest Whitaker was also slated to appear in the movie as Agent Will Sands, but was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts after shooting on the Stallone’s film was pushed back. Stallone approached 50 Cent to take on the role, but the decision has come under fire from film fans who suggest the star isn’t a credible actor.
The anger of the casting of 50 Cent is understandable, but not fair.

-update: 50cent lost his role in Sylvester Stallone's new film The Expendebles. The part will be played by 'Everybody Hates Chris' dad Terry Crews instead.

-Mary J Blige has signed on to do Tyler Perry's next movie "I Can Do Bad All By My Self". She will be starring opposite Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson.

Word on the Street

-A screenplay written by rapper Tupac Shakur during a 1995 prison stint is to hit cinemas in 2010. Shakur penned "Live 2 Tell," as a starring vehicle for himself, according to Vibe magazine, but he never lived to see out his dream.

The film, which chronicles an ex-drug dealer's battle to beat his problems, was discovered by the late rapper's mother, Afeni Shakur, and sold to Insomnia Productions. Producers will start casting the film in April 2009




-Rap legends N.W.A. are to be immortalized on the big screen, a major biopic is in the works.

N.W.A, the Compton supergroup, comprised of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren and DJ Yella, shot to fame in the late 1980s after signing to Death Row Records, and drew attention with controversial hits like Straight Outta Compton, F**k tha Police and Gangsta Gangsta.

Ice Cube quit the band in 1989 after a dispute over royalties, and the remaining N.W.A. members parted ways in 1991.

The rappers each went on to achieve solo success, with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre garnering critical acclaim for their own projects, while Eazy-E enjoyed some popularity with his numerous discs before dying from AIDS in 1995.

Now their West Coast legacy is heading to cinemas, a project tentatively titled "Straight Outta Compton," is being developed with Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E's widow all on board as producers, according to Entertainment Weekly.

They are reportedly seeking a director to helm the project in a style similar to Curtis Hanson's take on Eminem's 2002 movie, "8 Mile."

-Chris Rock is assembling an all-star comedy cast for his forthcoming movie "Death At A Funeral." Both Martin Lawrence and Tracy Morgan have signed on to the project.

-Rapper Nas made a terminally ill child's dreams come true this weekend when he flew the fan out to Los Angeles to attend his concert and meet the star backstage.

(source: panachereport)

Word on the Street

-Comedian Eddie Murphy has landed his dream role, portraying late, great funnyman Richard Pryor in a new biopic.

The film will be directed by Bill Condon. Fox Searchlight is reportedly picking up this $25 million project.

-Michael Jackson has recorded more than 100 songs in secret, but is refusing to release the tracks until after his death, according to a biographer.

Jackson has amassed a stack of tunes but only wants them to be heard by his children - Prince, 11, Paris Katherine, 10, and five-year-old Prince Michael II-after he dies.

-Actor/director Tyler Perry is gearing up for his best birthday ever; he plans to celebrate turning 40 by buying his own private island.

-So, Coolio had a gig in Stoke-on-Trent, England when he decided stage dive into the crowd. Too bad the audience parted, sending Coolio crashing to the floor. The crowd then reportedly mobbed the rapper, stealing his bandana, jewellery and shoes before he could be rescued by the venue's security team.

lmao @ the visual of coolio free-falling

Word on the Street

-Samuel L. Jackson, who had a 31 second cameo as S.H.I.E.L.D agent, Nick Fury, in last year's Iron Man, has just signed an unprecedented nine-picture deal with Marvel Studios to reprise the role.

The Hollywood Reporter says: The movies include "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "Captain America," "The Avengers" and its sequels. Also on the table is the possibility of toplining a "S.H.I.E.L.D." movie, which is in development.

The actor, repped by ICM and Anonymous Content, made a surprise appearance as Fury at the end of the first "Iron Man," throwing geeks into a tizzy and showing the first glimpse of Marvel's plan to link all their slate of movies into one filmic universe.

-Late actress/singer Eartha Kitt's former publicist has lashed out at Oscar producers for omitting her from a segment paying tribute to stars who had passed away over the past year.

lame indeed.

R.I.P Eartha

***

-Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman was drinking alcohol in the hours leading up to his serious car crash last summer- August 2008, according to a lawsuit filed by the female passenger who was with him at the time of the accident. She is also denying being his mistress.

*hmm mm - giving u both the side-eye

Ninja vs Beenie

Desmond Balentine aka Ninja Man is a Jamaican reggae artist. He is controversial and talented; he has been through a lot of hardship in his life but he seems to be on solid ground now. He speaks his mind and takes no prisoners. Ninja Man is my first crush, I still love this man (I can still here my mom say: eehee him ugly sah) but to me, he’s the man!

Ninja man-the original gold-teeth, front-teeth, don gorgon had some choice words for betweenie bwoy, ahem I mean beenie man….

Ninja says: Beenie Man a di biggest hypocrite, laugh an’ skin teeth wid man like him an’ dem a fren wen him in front a dem, but chat a bag tings behine dem back.

Ninja on Sting: A dun Beenie Man era dun now. Him fi jus gwaan record music fi him gran’ pickney listen to. A Mavado an’ Vybz Kartel a di new generation an him cyaan accept that suh him haffi fine a way fi get in a dem ting. Him jus deh pon one stage…dancehall, all afta him get di Grammy.

Ninja had a few words for dancehall artist Merciless: Merciless jus a come back an’ a try fi put together some lyrics fi eat a food, wah dem waan mi kill him off agen fah wen mi kill him so much time aready. Mi nuh haffi have nuh lyrics fi test Leonard. Mi jus look pon how di audience a respond an’ fine di right thing weh fi conneck an’ kill people.

Ninja goes for the jugular: Since Beenie Man feel like sey Merciless a deejay, Merciless dead a Jam World, bury a Negril a Spring Break and tomb inna him own birthday bash a Clarendon. Like how him come back now as the seven golden vampires, yuh Beenie Man remember say that I am Peter Cushing…a gwain peg him inna him heart wid a silver cross. Him muss bun up,”

Again to the jugular: Hey bwoy Beenie Man, if yuh bad like mi boot heel, yuh and Merciless step inna Follow Di Arrow meck a peg him an kill yuh. If mi nuh ketch yuh a Follow Di Arrow, anyway yuh deh I am coming to get yuh. Waste time a meck mischief and fight fi bi number one at all time. Yuh badmind thru yuh cyaan teck mi title like how yuh teck Yellow Man own ‘bout yuh a ‘king a the dancehall’

Ninja have a question: Mi waan fi ask Beenie Man couple questions. If yuh feel like sey mi doan have a career and tunes fi face Merciless, why when mi tell the public sey mi want him Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Mavado and Vybz Kartel one time, why him nevva push up him chest like how yuh feel me nuh have nuh career?

Warning: when he said 'kill' he doesn't mean to literally kill somebody....its a reggae dancehall clash term which means to lyrically get the upperhand and be the crowd favorite.

This language is called Patois aka broken english.

Word On The Street

-Tyler Perry can't believe Hollywood is making such a fuss about his decision to cast Keshia Knight Pulliman as a prostitute in his new movie because it's been over two decades since the actress appeared on "The Cosby Show." Keisha Knight Pulliam will be in the new Tyler Perry flick Madea Goes to Jail, she will be acting opposite Derek Luke.

-Tyler Perry is also working on a sequel to the movie 'Why Did I Get Married', complete with the original cast: Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Sharon Leal, Tasha Smith, Michael Jai White, Richard T. Jones, and Perry himself.

(I will definitely be watching part 2. say what u want about mr perry, but u gotta give him credit for employing fabulous black actors. i love me some tasha smith and jill scott :)

-Tracy Morgan has thanked the New York Fire Department for saving his apartment after a blaze broke out on Wednesday.

Tracy says, "A fire broke out in my Manhattan apartment this morning, apparently starting with a lamp attached to my fish tank. The sprinklers promptly activated and the NYFD came by to make sure it was contained.. Fortunately, the fire did not spread and no one in the building was injured -- even the fish are okay. My thanks to the New York Fire Department for their quick action."

glad he's okay

-Russell Simmons new clothing line, American Classics, will be sold at 350 Walmart stores. The line, including knit and woven shirts, sweater vests, jeans, casual sports shoes and more, will sell for between $9.99 and $29 with most of the items being priced at less than $15.

Word on the Street

-Michael Jackson is having a 4-day garage sale at the beverly hilton hotel starting April 22, 2009. among the items to be auctioned are: the glittery glove unveiled in the 1983 video for Billie Jean, his luxurious tourbus and a custom-made 1999 rolls royce.

-BEIJING, China (CNN) -- A married Chinese businessman who could no longer afford five mistresses held a competition to decide which one to keep.But the contest took a fatal turn when one of the women, eliminated for her looks, drove the man and the four other competitors off a cliff, Chinese media reported. The spurned mistress died and the other passengers were injured, the reports said.

-Rapper LL Cool J has penned an open letter to new U.S. President Barack Obama, offering him words of advice about how best to serve his country.

Word on the Street

-British newspaper, the Daily Mail is reporting that Eddie Murphy has been ordered to pay child support to Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown for their daughter, Angel Iris Murphy Brown.

The actor must fork over £35,000 ($51,000.00 US) per month to the singer until the 22-month-old girl reaches age 18, Eddie Murphy also agreed to see his baby for the first time.

dang, mel b will be on rodeo drive this w/end lol. seriously though, girl, set up a college fund for that beautiful baby :)

-Vivica A. Fox will be hosting a reality show on VH1 called 'The Cougar' where she assists an 'accomplished, beautiful and sexy woman of a certain age' looking for love from a pool of eligible younger men.

hm mmm. i still love me some vivica though, she stays on the grind

-Rappers Jay-Z and 50 Cent have come in just behind Oprah Winfrey ($260 million) and golfer Tiger Woods ($100 million) on a new list of rich African-American celebrities. The $83 million Jay-Z earned between June 2007 and June 2008 and 50's $33 million puts them at three and four on Forbes magazine's list.

-LL Cool J's clothing line 'Todd Smith' is falling victim to the current global economic crisis, the rapper's designer wares are struggling to sell. The hip-hop star signed a deal with department store Sears to stock his signature apparel line in May 2008 but the rapper's designs are now being advertised at 50% off the suggested retail price online.

-Terrence Howard has left fans confused about his departure from the "Iron Man," sequel. The star revealed it was "the surprise of a lifetime" when he learned Don Cheadle would be replacing him in "Iron Man 2."

-Hip-hop star 50 Cent is risking his macho reputation in the name of business-he's reportedly planning to launch his own line of male grooming products.

-Ailing singer Natalie Cole's son has undergone tests to establish if he can donate a much-needed kidney to his mom. Cole, 58, has been battling ill health since she was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2008.

Word on the Street

Public Enemy rapper Chuck D fears the hip-hop scene is dying because there's a lack of good female rappers. The performer-turned-label boss insists the industry needs new talent, and promises to spend 2009 pushing the careers of young wannabe women MC's.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps has acknowledged he engaged in "regrettable" behavior and "demonstrated bad judgment," after a British newspaper published a photograph of the swimmer smoking from a bong.
there is now a big whoopla about whether or not he should lose his endorsments for his 'demonstration of bad judgement'? seriously, isnt the olympics over? and isnt he a grown azz man? let me see, michael phelps smoked a joint and is getting a big backlash, but alec baldwin cussed his kid out and everything remains in tact; kate moss is still working; david hasselhoff is a drunken mess but everything remains in tact...but they kicked brandy off that ridiculous show for getting in a car accident (yeah, a lady died but brandy didnt cause the accident plus she was sober)! i'm just saying...


update: word is Vivica told Black Voices that she "is no friend of The Psychic Friends Network." and went to say that she never authorized them to use her "likeness, footage, voice and photographs as an endorsement of their service."

Vivica Fox is now hosting a psychic hotline - The Psychic Friends.

*smh* c'mon vivica, u cannot be serious about this mess.




Jennifer Hudson is set to follow up her triumphant return to public life with a six-week tour. The singer/actress wowed sports fans watching the Super Bowl with her first performance since the murders of her mother, brother and nephew in October.

Rap mogul 50 Cent has been caught up in a new lawsuit: drinks firm Vitamin water, of which he is a shareholder, is facing legal action for allegedly misleading consumers about the nutritional content of its products. 50 sells his Formula drink through the Coca-Cola-owned brand.

btw: 50 and 'officer' rick ross are now having a 'rap war'. you are both grown azz men, cut this mess out! ppl dont wanna hear that.

Entertainment news

-Congrats to Viola Davis on her nomination for best supporting actress role in Doubt; also, congrats to Taraji P. Henson for her nomination for best supporting actress role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

I always enjoy watching Viola Davis in Law & Order SVU, she is a really good actor.
Taraji, u go girl!

-Rapper Heavy D has gone back to his Jamaican roots to record a reggae album.

-Jamie Foxx has ditched his trademark diamond earrings, to protest the use of conflict gems in jewelry. The actor/singer famously wears big stones in each of his ears, but he insists he has now ditched real diamonds after he was educated about the history of jewels mined in war zones and sold to fund conflicts or profit warlords.

Foxx reveals, "I now wear cubic zirconia. I used to wear real diamonds, but there's too much issue about blood diamonds."

-Martin Sheen was left terrified on the set of a new movie after Samuel L. Jackson took their torture scenes too far and almost "cut his finger off." The pair star in the forthcoming film "Unthinkable." Sheen portrays a terrorist suspect and Jackson plays the cop who interrogates

him.

-Chris Rock has branded Barack Obama a stand-up comedian's worst nightmare-because the President-elect is too awe-inspiring to make fun of.

Entertainment news

"Law & Order" star Mariska Hargitay has suffered a partially collapsed lung, her
representative said on Monday. But Hargitay will appear in all remaining episodes
of her show, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" her representative, Gary
Mantoosh, said in a statement.
IMO, Mariska is one of the best actresses on tv. get well soon.


An appeals court in Italy has ruled pop superstar Prince stole his "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World," hit from two European songwriters.Officials at the Court of Appeal in Rome have decided the 1994 hit borrowed heavily from Bruno Bergonzi and Michele Vicino's Takin' Me to Paradise.Bergonzi and Vicino's tune was a small European pop hit in 1983.

Actress Taraji P. Henson has offered to babysit for her co-star Brad Pitt and
Angelina Jolie after accidentally marrying the pair off in a recent interview.
Henson created a gossip storm when she referred to Pitt as Jolie's "husband"
and now she's keen to make amends-fearing she has upset the couple.

Game show host and comedian Howie Mandel is expected to be released Tuesday from a hospital where he was taken after he experienced an irregular heartbeat. Howie Mandel is in Toronto shooting his new show 'Howie Do It'

Entertainment

President-elect Barack Obama is to be honored in the pages of the latest Spider-Man comic. Obama, a longtime fan of the superhero, will appear in a bonus story in the new Marvel Comics release.

Michael C. Hallgot married to Jennifer Carpenter, who plays his sister on HBO's Dexter. Michael's spokesperson told E! that they got married on New Year's Eve in Big Sur, CA. Michael, 37, and Jennifer 29, have been dating for about a year and a half.

Lisa Bonet gave birth to a baby boy; Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa welcomed the baby boy and they named him Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa *blank stare*

R&B star R. Kelly's divorce from his wife Andrea has been finalized. The couple was married for 11 years; Kelly and his wife separated in 2005. The couple share two daughters and a son.

Illinois lawmakers today voted unanimously to impeach the scandal-ridden governor Rod Blagojevich, who is alleged to have tried to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. The Illinois House of Representatives voted 114 to one to start the impeachment process next week.

Dr. Richard Batista, a vascular surgeon from Long Island, is suing his estranged wife Dawnell Batista for his kidney back or $1.5 million for the price of his organ. His lawyer said, "Of course he wouldn't really ask for that but the value of it." Dr. Batista and Dawnell were married in 1990; they have two kids together. He agreed to give her his kidney after two transplants quit on her. He claims that after the surgery worked, Dawnell began an affair with her therapist.

Entertainment News

Patrick Swayze says he may have only two years to live. The Dirty Dancing star who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, says the disease is likely to claim his life fairly soon. Speaking on ABC's Patrick Swayze: The Truth, Swayze, 56, tells Barbara Walters he refuses to give up his fight for life, but has come to terms with the fact his time with wife Lisa is limited.

Dakota Fanning has reached out to grieving star Jennifer Hudson, who is mourning the loss of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew. The pair starred together in the 2008 movie The Secret Life of Bees. And Dakota says she has spoken to Jennifer since the tragic murders of her family members. She tells Us Weekly magazine, "I have spoken to her. I have been in contact with her. I can't imagine what she is going through, but she knows the whole cast is there for her, and I love her."

Diddy spends $750k on audition tape for James Bond franchise. Rap mogul Sean Combs is so keen to be the next James Bond his new fragrance commercial is his "audition tape." Diddy shot the ad for the "I Am King," scent in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and he portrayed a "black Bond" while shooting the commercial. Now he hopes 007 producers are taking note. He explains, "I really was inspired by James Bond because he's always so cool, so confident, so strong. He saves the world. I felt like after watching 12 Bonds, I wanted the agency to know that there's also some black men that can save the world. It's my fragrance ad but it's also my audition tape to be the next black Bond." But Diddy insists he's not after current Bond Daniel Craig's job: "I have a concept that he has to go and solve a problem in New York and that I'm one of the agents that he meets in New York, but he's not from New York, so he gets kidnapped... so I have to save him. By me saving him, he realizes he's getting a little rusty, he wants to go and retire and he passes it to me."

Entertainment News

Hugh Jackman is no longer in discussions to star with Catherine Zeta-Jones in Cleo, a 3-D live action musical which Steven Soderbergh will direct as his next project. Cleo retells the tragedy of Egyptian queen Cleopatra and her Roman lover Marc Antony through the medium of an Elvis-style musical, with music by indie rockers Guided by Voices. Jackman was in talks to play Anthony. It has been reported that James Purefoy, who played Antony in the BBC series Rome and impressed many viewers with his prominent talent, could take Jackman’s place.

Queen Latifah will reign another year at Jenny Craig The Grammy-winning singer and Oscar-nominated actress, who became spokesperson for the weight-loss chain last year, will continue through 2009. "We are proud of Queen Latifah's achievements and are excited to continue the relationship," says Scott Parker, vice president of marketing for Jenny Craig. "Queen Latifah embodies the healthy lifestyle principles and character that Jenny Craig stands for and we look forward to another great year."

Pop superstar Prince is to release two albums in 2009. The hard-working singer's new releases, tentatively titled "MPLSOUND," and "Lotus Flower," will be sold in digital form on a new Prince website, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Gary Oldman got married for the fourth time. 50 year old gary married 31 year old jazz singer, Alexandra Edenborough.

Rebecca Romjin gave birth to twin girls. Rebecca and Jerry O'Connell named the twins Charlie Tamara Tulip and Dolly Rebecca Rose.

Jennifer Love Hewitt and her fiancé Ross McCall have called it quits, PEOPLE has learned.
"They broke up over the holidays and have ended their engagement," says a source close to the couple.

John Travolta's 16 year old son, jett has died. A source close the family tells PEOPLE that the autopsy on their 16-year-old son Jett revealed his death Jan. 2 in the Bahamas was caused by a "seizure disorder."

-condolences to john and kellie

Rap veteran E-40 is reviewing his stock market options after losing money from shares in software giant Microsoft and his fast food chain Fatburger.

The Medium’s Patricia Arquette and actor husband Thomas Jane have ended their two-year marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences”

Word have it that singer chris brown proposed to rihanna.