San Antonio Spurs
Basketball star Nick Van Exel filed a lawsuit against two men in Los Angeles
Superior Court, alleging he was defrauded out of millions by men who claimed
they would help launch the career of Van Exel’s cousin, rapper Smoot.
Van Excel accuses Wilson Ebiye and Leonard Chukwemeke of using over $1.2 million
dollars of Raprock Records’ money to purchase themselves cars. RapRock
Records/Films is Van Excel’s production company. Smoot is also co-CEO
of the company.
Sean “Diddy”
Combs was forced to re-shoot an advertisement for his new “Unforgivable”
fragrance that featured him in bed with two women. The ads were pulled from various
department stores and replaced with new ads featuring the mogul in bed with just
one woman, in order to tone down the sexual nature of the advertisement.
According to reports, billboard ads with Combs and the two women are still being
used in various markets. "It is unfortunate that some people were so uncomfortable
with something with that much sexual presence," John Demsey, global president
of Estée Lauder said. "But we stand by it."
Ludacris and crew Disturbing Tha Peace will be featured on Clear Channel’s
“Stripped” series. Ludacris, Field Mob, Bobby Valentino, Shawna,
Shareefa and Lil’ Fate perform some of their best known hits in Clear Channel’s
studios, which will be broadcast on over 150 Clear Channel Radio station websites
starting today (Jan. 17). Past performers include Floetry, Staind, Melissa Ethridge,
John Legend, Kanye West and others. For more information visit www.strippedmusic.com.
Motown Records and Lionsgate
have teamed with director/actor/playwright Tyler Perry to release the soundtrack
for his latest movie, "Madea’s Family Reunion." The soundtrack lands
in stores three days before the movies nationwide opening on Feb. 24. The soundtrack
revolves around the themes of love and family values and contains a new track
from LL Cool J featuring Mary Mary titled “We’re Gonna Make It.”
Other artists who contribute new songs to the soundtrack include Chaka Khan,
Johnny Gill, KEM, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams, Carl Thomas and others. “Madea’s
Family Reunion” hits stores Feb. 21.