When The Checks Stop Coming In: Music Artists Are Hurting!

Record labels are approaching another financially weak year. 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.

Record sales are lower than ever, but boy those 100 pack of blank discs from Best Buy are selling like hot cakes. Help should be on its way with Kanye and Luda looking to drop albums this year. We would love to buy those albums, but times are so tough we might have to use one of our blank discs and go without the pretty pictures and credits on the “real album.” Sad face.

Source

Kanye West Feeling Blue After The Po-Po Take Him To The Pokey!

Kanye West was led away in handcuffs by police at Los Angeles International Airport after a scuffle with paparazzi on Thursday morning. Apparently a $10,000.00 camera was thrown to the ground and West's bodyguard was also involved in the altercation.

Kanye may now be facing battery and vandalism charges. A witness indicated that West's arrest followed a scuffle with paparazzi.

The incident happened at 7:41am this morning at Terminal 4, at an American Airlines security checkpoint, according to the LAX spokesman. Developing...

THE DEATH OF KANYE WEST'S MOTHER INSPIRES NEW LEGISLATION

Six months after the mother of Kanye West, Dr. Donda West, died following liposuction and breast implant surgery, the reverberations of the tragedy continue to be felt. Now lawmakers and physicians are urging greater protections for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Across the country, such surgeries are increasingly done outside hospital settings in outpatient clinics, where a doctor can avoid the rigorous review that, say, a heart surgeon would face at a traditional hospital.

Those lobbying for greater surveillance say attempts to regulate the fast-growing industry have faltered.

"These [clinics] are not hospitals. You have to raise the standards," said state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), chairman of the senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development.

A coroner's report cited West's heart disease and clogged coronary arteries as a factor in her death. According to the coroner, there was no evidence that her death was caused by a mistake in surgery.

West, who was 5 feet 2 and weighed 188 pounds, had part of her right breast removed, both breasts enlarged and her abdominal muscles tightened.

She had significant liposuction as well as a "belt lipectomy," which excises fat around the abdominal area and tightens the surrounding skin.

West was sent home after her 5 1/2 -hour surgery.

She was not hooked up to medical equipment to monitor her recovery, something experts now say should have been required, given her extensive surgery and her pre-existing heart disease.

Ridley-Thomas' legislation, known as SB 1454, would require that outpatient facilities be inspected at least once every three years.

There now is no state requirement for how often the facilities must be inspected.

For more, visit The Los Angeles Times.

Despite Split From Kanye West, Alexis Phifer Keeps Her Head Up

Does Alexis Plan On Returning Kanye's Ring?

Black Enterprise Offers Green Business Guide
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Introducing Estelle, The Dark Sistah With The Funky Tune "American Boy", Featuring Kanye West

THE GRAMMYS,WHAT TO WATCH FOR: KANYE HONORS HIS MOM

Though he is nominated for eight Grammy Awards; for singer Kanye West, tomorrows awards are not about winning but all about his departed mother Donda. It hasn't been announced, but he will be one of the live performers tomorrow night. Kanye was reportedly seen rehearsing a version of his song "Stronger" at the Staples Center yesterday.

Donda, 58, died Nov. 10 following complications from surgery. Kanye may be singing about his mother but in fact he'll be singing for all of us who recently lost someone dear to us. So Kanye, thank you in advance for speaking for us, who also would like to be heard.

Graphic Details Surrounding Kanye's Mom Donda West Emerge!

Poor Kanye: Donda West's Chilling 9-1-1 Tape

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Kanye West's Grammy Nods Affirms GQ's Claim That This Brotha Is The Man Of The Year

December 06, 2007. LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Grieving rapper Kanye West and troubled British soul singer Amy Winehouse emerged as the top contenders for next year's 50th Grammy Awards after picking up a total of 14 nominations here Thursday.

West, 30, whose mother Donda died suddenly last month after undergoing plastic surgery, heads the field with eight nominations, including a nod in the coveted album of the year prize for his "Graduation."Winehouse, 24, the talented singer-songwriter who has rarely been out of the tabloid headlines this year following a reported drug overdose, a string of cancelled concerts and turbulent private life, earned six nominations.The Grammys -- the music industry's most prestigious awards -- will be handed out at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 10.As well as being nominated in the best new artist category, Winehouse picked up nods for her hit single "Rehab" in the record of the year and "Back to Black" in the album of the year categories."Rehab" also earned Winehouse nods for song of the year and best female pop vocal performance, while "Back to Black" was also nominated for best pop vocal album.Announcing Winehouse's nominations, comedian George Lopez remarked: "Can someone wake her up around six and tell her?"The quip was a reference to recent photos of Winehouse that appeared in the British media featuring the singer outside her London home in the early hours of Sunday morning, wearing only a bra and jeans.Winehouse was the only artist to earn nominations in the four top categories open to all-comers -- record of the year, album of the year, song of the year and best new artist.Winehouse and West's rivals for honors in the best album stakes include rock band Foo Fighters for "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace."Other contenders for record of the year are Beyonce for "Irreplaceable," Foo Fighters for "The Pretender," Rihanna featuring Jay-Z for "Umbrella" and Justin Timberlake for "What Goes Around ... Comes Around."Winehouse faces stiff competition in the song of the year category from Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," Plain White T's for "Hey There Delilah," Corinne Bailey Rae for "Like a Star" and Rihanna/Jay-Z for "Umbrella."Elsewhere a crop of artists earned four nominations each, including veteran rocker Bruce Springsteen.Although Springsteen was ignored in the top categories, he picked up nods including best rock album ("Magic") and rock song ("Radio Nowhere"). Other artists earning four nods included hip-hop star Akon and Rihanna.Former Beatle Paul McCartney was also among the nominees, with nods including best male pop vocal performance for "Dance Tonight" and best pop vocal album "Memory Almost Full."The 110 categories see prizes given out in a plethora of obscure categories including polka, Hawaiian and Native American music.Meanwhile, the best spoken word album category will see a politically themed contest featuring White House hopeful Barack Obama and former president Bill Clinton.Obama -- currently locked in a fierce contest with Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination -- earned a nod for his audio version of book "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream."Bill Clinton meanwhile was nominated for his reading "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World," his best-selling guide to how individuals can contribute to worthy causes.

Folks Who Get It: Evil Knievel Is Gone But Finally Gets To "Touch The Sky"

Does This Mean Kanye West Still Has To Pay Up?

Cool breeze Evel Knievel, the flamboyant motorcycle stuntman whose thrilling triumphs and spectacular failures enshrined him as America's consummate daredevil, died today at 69 in Clearwater, Florida. The White boy with huge kahoneas passed only three days after it was announced that he and rapper Kanye West had settled a federal lawsuit over the use of the legendary daredevil's trademarked name and likeness in West's "Touch The Sky" music video. Check it out:

Knievel, who survived at least 38 broken bones, multiple concussions and countless abrasions acquired in daring jumps that ended in unplanned crashes, had been in failing health for years, including suffering from diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs. This cat just took a lickin and kept on tickin thoughout those early years. The L.A Times breaks it down.

Kanye's No Evil Knievel, But After His Mom's Death He's Getting Love From Some Unlikely Places

After accusing Kanye West of using his image "promote his filth to the world," Evel Knievel has "amicably" settled his lawsuit with the rapper, the daredevil announced earlier this week.

TMZ.com is reporting Knievel sued West and his record company last year, after Kanye appeared in a music video for his song "Touch the Sky" dressed as "Evel Kanyevel" and jumped over a canyon on a motorcycle.

West and his lawyers argued it was satire; Knievel called it "vulgar and offensive.""I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman," Knievel said after a face-to-face meeting with Kanye. "I know he's had some tough times the past few weeks, and I hope things work out."Not such an evil guy after all.

Black Friday Means Lots Of Shopping, Eating, And Yes Black People ... Working Out!

AJ Johnson Gives Tips On Staying Slim This Holiday
*Diddy Apologizes to Tyson Beckford

*Kanye West to Sell Beverly Hills Home
*Hip-Hop Artists Support Charities During Holidays
*T-Mobile & UNCF Launch Scholarship Partnership Program
*400 Sickened by Bromide Poisoning in Angola
*Teaching Young Men to Be Men
*Federal Funds to Help Katrina Tenants
*DrJays.com Pulls All Gang Related Apparel
*Miami-Dade NAACP Calls for Justice in Police Shootings

Breaking News: Dr Jan Pulls A No-Show, And Kanye West Pays Tribute To Mom At Her Funeral

I Hate Seeing Black Folks Dealing With This Tragedy

On some many levels, the death of Donda West and Dr. Jan Adams career is tough to stomach. And it doesn't help that the bad news keeps piling on. Now Discovery Health wants to make one thing clear: they have nothing to do with Dr. Jan Adams. According to TMZ, the official word from Discovery is that Adams is not a part of their family anymore. STAT!

Adding to the circus surrounding the Dr Jan is word that he just pulled out of his "Larry King Live" appearance at the last minute. Adams did not come out for the first segment of the show. He appeared after the first commercial break, and very politely told Larry King that he would not speak. He took off his ear piece and walked off the set. Larry quickly went to commercial. Apparently this was done at the insistence of the family of Dr. Donda West, as Kanye West buried his mother today in Oklahoma City, Ok. The ceremony was held at the True Vine Ministry church. TMZ is reporting Beyonce and Jay-Z attended the services, and according to AccessHollywood.com, John Legend and Anita Baker performed. Kanye reportedly broke down inside the church while talking about his mother, saying he wanted her to not "rest in peace, but rest in paradise.

Thanksgiving 2007: In Four Days We Celebrate, But Right Now - We Send Condolences, Beginning With Kanye West!!

KANYE WEST is playing a sold-out concert in Paris, one week after his mother Donda West died. He will also perform Sunday in Brussels and Amsterdam on Monday but will be back in the U.S. by Tuesday, when the funeral for his mother will reportedly take place in Oklahoma City.

UPDATE: VIDEO OF KANYE BREAKING DOWN IN TEARS AT HIS PARIS CONCERT:

Prayers to MICHAEL WARREN, former UCLA B-Ball star and Actor (Hill Street Blues, Buffalo Soldiers, and City of Angels), on the passing of his mother.

MARTHA STEWART announced the sad news on her blog today that her mother, MARTHA KOSTYRA, passed away Friday at the age of 93. "I am very sad to tell you that my mom passed away," she said. The blog also included a video tribute to her mom, who was a constant staple on Martha's programs. "The Insider" has also learned Martha will speak about her mother on her show Monday and will air a 10-minute tribute in her honor. It's the holidays and let us not forget about YOU or someone you know and love, who may be going through sickness or loss. Reach Out ...

Death Of Donda West: The More We Hear About Kanye's Mom's Plastic Surgeon, The More Disturbing The Case!

Is Doctor Jan Adams The Victim Of Character Assassination, Or Does This Brotha Have Issues???

Would someone please tell TMZ to let go of Dr. Jan Adams ass! Like a relentless pit bull, the online website is just slamming this Black doctor every which way but loose.

Donda West Died From Either Surgery of Anesthesia

Today's installment involves accusations from Jan's ex-wife, claiming physical abuse. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, as well as a restraining order filed by Susie Field, former wife of music mogul turned movie producer Ted Field, Thanksgiving Day last year was stuffed with drama. On November 23, 2006, Dr. Adams allegedly became upset with Susie for taking a phone call during dinner. Susie claims, "He wanted to speak to whomever was calling me."They began arguing and went up to the bedroom. According to the document, Dr. Adams was yelling, "I'm going to f**king kill you. I'm going to beat you. You need to be beaten."

Susie claims Dr. Adams then "swung his right closed fist at my face...he attacked me," adding, [Dr. Adams] grabbed me with one arm and threw me toward the bed..." Susie claims there was another incident in September 2005 while they were at a New York nightclub. The former Mrs. Adams indicated that Jan became angry because another man was looking at her. When they returned to the hotel, he became "angry, threw me on the bed and began to strangle me. I thought I was going to die as he strangled me to the point of almost blacking out." Two days after the judge granted the restraining order in November 2006, Susie filed for divorce. They were married less than 12 months, with the divorce becoming final in February, 2007.

Insisting today that he is not to blame for Dr. Donda West's shocking death after plastic surgery, this has not been a good year for the good doctor. As experts have noted, while complications are always an issue, what happened to Kanye's mom is extremely rare. Of course when you add that to what we finding out about Jan Adams, it clearly is putting him more and more in that O.J. Simpson light. We're just saying!

Source

Death Of Donda West: Dr. Jan Adams Is Feeling The Heat, With Two Past Convictions For DUI

Former Television Personality On "The Other Half", Jan Adams Has Had Problems With Alcohol & Professional Setbacks

Still reeling from the shocking death of Kanye West's mother, Dr. Donda West, more disturbing news is coming out about the tall, dark and handsome Black doctor who performed the plastic surgery operation gone awry. Just like the controversy that swirled around former Grey's Anatomy's star Isaiah Washington, the prognosis does not look good. At all!!!

Patient Claims Dr. Got Her "Knocked Up" In New Lawsuit

TMZ has obtained this booking photo of Dr. Jan Adams and has been digging up all kinds of dirty laundry about the brother. Between the lawsuit for screwing up a boob job, to lying about having the proper credentials, this man's reputation is quickly flatlining. STAT!

Dr. Adams was arrested and booked on March 31, 2006, after pleading no contest to DUI. This was his second drunk driving conviction.This photo was taken after he turned himself in on December 29, 2006. He was released the next day. Adams has quite a history. In addition to his March 2006 arrest, he was arrested in September 2002 after his vehicle lost control and hit a parked car. At the time, Adams told officers on the scene that he lost control of his car when another vehicle failed to stop for a traffic signal. He was unable to provide a description of that car.

Adding to his woes, now old jump-offs are co-signing on how the brother goes Jekyl & Hyde on a sister when he's in addiction mode. We could be wrong, but maybe it's time for Jan to get some help on that 12-step tip. What's Up Doc???

Death Of Kanye's Mom: Things Are Going From Bad To Worse For Doctor Ian Adams

Dr. Says He Operated on Kanye West's Mom
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Dr. Ian Adams Not Board Certified
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Black Rapper Kanye West's Mother Dies

(AP)LOS ANGELES -- Donda West, mother of Kanye West and former chairwoman of Chicago State University's English department, has died, a spokesman for the rapper said.

Donda West died Saturday night in Los Angeles, said the spokesman, who asked for anonymity because not all family members had been notified. "The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief," the spokesman said. While a cause of death has not been released, it's believed that a routine cosmetic surgery procedure, undertaken by Dr. Jan Adams, is what attributed to her death.

Donda West was known for the strong bond she shared with her son, by whose side she was often seen at parties and award shows. In May, she published the book "Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star," in which she paid homage to her famous son.

Donda West served as chief executive of West Brands LLC, the parent company of her son's business enterprises, and as chairwoman of the Kanye West Foundation, an educational nonprofit that works to decrease dropout rates and improve literacy.
She worked in higher education for 31 years, before leaving academia in 2004 to help manage her son's career, according to a biography on the Kanye West Foundation's Web site.

She began working at Chicago State University in 1980 and eventually chaired the school's English department, according to the site. She started her teaching career in the early 1970s as an instructor at Brown College in Atlanta.

When Black Supermodel Naomi Campbell Is Not Beatin' Folks Up, She's Meeting With Heads of State Like Hugo Chavez

Supermodel Naomi Campbell Visits Chavez

50 Cent Partners with Pontiac on G8
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Black, Female Leaders Battle Baltimore Urban Woes
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Nearly 50% of Black Males in Milwaukee Lack Jobs

T.I. DENIED BAIL, TINY ARRESTED AND RUMORED PREGNANT & KANYE WINS BUT DOES ANYONE CARE?

T.I.'s Sweating Bullets, Literally!

Talented but perrenial cry baby Kanye West went home with the win at the 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards on Saturday, but even in victory he couldn't keep the spotlight that Georgia rapper T.I. is all too willing to give up right about now.

What everybody's buzzing about on the Internet is T.I.’s pre-awards drama in the parking lot of an Atlanta shopping center after the brother allegedly accepted delivery of three machine guns and two silencers from a bodyguard. In addition to the weapons at the purchase, police found three other firearms in the vehicle T.I. was driving. There were six more firearms reportedly found at his home. A sprawling mansion he shares with his girl Tiny, rumored to be pregnant again with his seed after a recent miscarriage. The unmarried couple already have one child together.

Clifford Harris, aka T.I., was denied bond on Monday and ordered to remain in jail until his next court appearance on Friday. Apparently federal prosecutors are attempting to have the rapper held without bond until his trial – which has yet to receive a start date and could be months away.

Kanye, Common, KRS-One Take Home Awards

U.S. Magistrate Alan Baverman has scheduled a hearing on Friday to determine if there was probable cause for the arrest. The judge will also determine whether T.I. will be able to qualify for bond before the start of the trial.

In refencing Clifford, David E. Nahmias, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, had this to say: "The last place machine guns should be is in the hands of a convicted felon, who cannot legally possess any kind of firearm. This convicted felon allegedly was trying to add several machine guns to an already large and entirely illegal arsenal of guns."

The arrest happened after ATF agents reportedly learned a bodyguard for T.I. was attempting to purchase machine guns without registering them. The bodyguard was arrested on Wednesday for purchasing three machine guns, two silencers and a pistol, and helped police arrange to deliver the guns to T.I. on Saturday. Tameka "Tiny" Cottle was also arrested Saturday for alleged drug possession of marijuana and ecstasy. She was released Sunday on $10,000 bail.

Hey Whitney, Did Your Ex Bobby Brown Have A Heart Attack Or What???

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