By: Rizoh Producer/emcee Kanye West isn’t the only one in his family with a resourceful mind. His mom, Dr. Donda West, is putting final touches on an upcoming memoir titled Raising Kanye. As the title suggests, the book chronicles Kanye’s upbringing and includes previously unpublished photos and family anecdotes. Donda West recently told the Chicago Sun Times that Kanye encouraged her to write the book. "There [is] a whole lot of mothers who are just as proud of their children as I am of Kanye. I am not that different from any mother that loves her son dearly," she said. Dr. West worked as the head of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to serve as Kanye’s manager. She’s the CEO of West Brands LLC, which oversees the management of all of her son’s enterprises. Raising Kanye, co-written with best-selling author Karen Hunter, will be available via Simon & Schuster on Mother’s Day.

By: Hot Gossip Gal Ok y’all know my opinions on beef lol, yeah I prefer mine of the cow variety as opposed to the Hip-Hop variety and like my homie said, it does bring some life to Hip-Hop. But this Cam and Curtis episode has taken another turn. Fiddy had his video for Funeral Music removed from video hosting site YouTube.com earlier today while y’all were sleeping. The reason being that the video violated the terms of the site. The video which was shot entirely on location at 50s crib in CT made me want to get call Martha Stewart on him I can’t lie. But I am curious to know what the outcome of this will be? Post your thoughts people I am intrigued to hear what the streets are saying about this. And in the words of Cam himself all I can say is ‘Oh Boy.’ CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

By: Rizoh Hiphopcrack has learned that Black Knights member and Wu-Tang affiliate Doc Doom is dead. The rapper born Dante Cunningham was shot and killed in Compton on Sunday (February 11th). Doom had just returned home from a correctional facility and was already working on new material for a new Black Knights project as well as contributing to Rza’s upcoming Bobby Digital album. Originally made up of Crisis, Doc Doom, Monk and Holocaust, the Black Knights released their debut album Every Night Is A Black Knight in 2004. They’re also featured on Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Dante Cunningham.

By: Rizoh New reports have surfaced on the cause of Gerald Levert’s death. We now know that the R&B singer did not die from an accidental mix of prescription narcotics and over-the-counter drugs, despite earlier reports. US Coroner Kevin Chartrand has pointed out that Levert died from acute intoxication. His blood contained several allergy medication and painkillers. 40-year old Gerald Levert passed away in Philadelphia last November. He had just completed work on a new studio album, In My Songs, said to reflect his arrival at a personal crossroads. A family spokesperson confirmed that the R&B great had been taking pain medication for a shoulder problem and was taking Xanax for anxiety attacks.

By: Hot Gossip Gal What happens when two of the most photographed females in the world collide and discover they share similar interests. Well J Lo and Victoria Beckham are peas a pod it would appear, the two share a love for clothes and J Lo was so impressed by the style Vic oozes that they may be launching a lingerie collection together. Perhaps the two will spotted down Rodeo Drive shopping in the meantime. Even though Posh’shusband will be working up a sweat on the soccer field, I am sure Marc Anthony won’t be too far behind as wherever we see Jenny he is right there with her..maybe the gals should put him to use and have him carry their bags. J Lo did gush a bit about her ‘soulmate’ in an interview,with UK Hello but I guess that had to be expected, especially when ex love Sean Combs was pictured on the front with his baby momma and twin daughters. Strategic planning from Hello?

By: Quibian Salazar-Moreno In 2006 Rawkus Records made a comeback with excellent albums from The Procussions, Kidz in the Hall and Panacea. To help further their brand as well as help forward-thinking hip-hop artists the label is launching its “Rawkus 50” initiative. The “Rawkus 50” will be 50 unsigned artists or groups hand selected by founders Jarrett Myer, Brian Bater and content manager Slop Funk Dust to help them market and promote their latest project. “This is such a great opportunity for both artist and label,” Myer said. ”There are so many talented artists with substance and a do it yourself spirit that deserve a larger promotional outlet.” Bater added, “with the Rawkus 50, Rawkus will provide unprecedented opportunities for Independent artists.” Rawkus will provide the Rawkus 50 with a full-fledged online marketing campaign as well as print ads, NY and L.A. showcases and blog and podcasting hosting. In addition, the artist is free to sign with any label of their choosing and possibly entertain an offer from Rawkus Records as well. “When have you ever heard of a respectable record label accepting unsolicited material from the general public? I could send my demo to Def Jam, but it’s just gonna end up on someone’s floor,” Slop Funk Dust said. “The Rawkus guys are loading up their IPOD’s and listening to submissions like mad men. This is the perfect opportunity for that one guy, that’s been recording albums in his basement and posting his videos on youtube. It is also perfect for artists that are already established and have followings and are just interested and hungry. For those established artists this can be a way better outlet than mixtapes.” To see if you qualify, check out the press release here: RAWKUS.

By: Will “Deshair” Foskey On November 29th, Mississippi native David Banner was honored before 500 lawmakers and 200 students for his tireless efforts standing on the frontline after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc through the Gulf Coast a little over a year ago. The Black Caucus of State Legislators celebrated its 30th Anniversary by presenting David Banner for his humanitarian work throughout his community with a Visionary Award. In a conversation between colleagues, David took the opportunity to express his gratitude, his disappointments and his victories as he sat down for a crisp haircut. We both know that positive news is often swept under the rug, so I wanted to give you this opportunity to talk about the amazing night you’ve just had in your home state of Mississippi. David Banner: For the most part, the Black Caucus which consists of the black leaders in Congress, assembled in the state of Mississippi for the first time and rewarded me with the Humanitarian Award for all of the things that I have been doing from giving out scholarships, I’ve always had special outreach programs for children, and the personal time that I put in during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I was physically in the trenches with the people who affected by the different atrocities. You’ve taken on an important role in the eyes of the urban community, when you were one of the first people to answer the calls of those who were in distress after Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast. People are looking towards you as not only a role model, but also as a leader. How do you feel about taking on that type of role? David Banner: I tell people all the time that one of our problems in the Black community is that people send our leaders to us. For example, who elected Jesse Jackson to speak on behalf of black folks… not any of us? So we have to be very cautious of who we call our leaders. It also happens that a lot of people try to step up to that role of being a leader when they are not ready to handle the responsibilities of the role. So for you, it’s more of just being a vessel to express the plight of the urban community. David Banner: Yes, it’s more of being a vessel. And if it’s my calling to be a leader, than I’ll be that. I’m definitely not running away from that though… On Jay-Z’s latest album, he has a song called, “Minority Report” which is based around the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Have you had a chance to listen to it? David Banner: I’ve bought Jay-Z’s new album, but I’ve only listened to it once so far, so I can’t really give an accurate assessment on the lyrics. When I first listen to an album, I’m listening for the beats and the hooks. Well he stated lyrically: Sure I ponied up a million but I didn’t give my time / So in reality I didn’t give a dime or a damn / I just put my money in the hands of the same people who left my people stranded. Just hearing those lyrics, can you tell me how you feel about Jay talking about his actions…? David Banner: First of all, I’d like to say that it takes a big man to admit when he’s wrong, especially in our generation. I honestly feel that it’s not everybody’s position to have done what I’ve done. I feel that a person with the influences of a Jay-Z is more effective in the board room. Jay-Z is more effective sending in a million dollars. Regardless of what I say, that is more powerful than me handing out a box. It’s funny that we’re talking about this, because I’ve had a conversation with Jim Jones along these lines. Jimmy talked about how there was a difference between you giving away 80 pairs of your own shoes and artists with the stature of a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent calling up Reebok and telling them to send out 10,000 pairs of shoes. As much as we might want to feel like we’ve done something bigger on an emotional level, I’d much rather that my people have 10,000 pairs of shoes and I’m not there, compared to me being there and only being able to hand out a few boxes; I hope that you can understand that. Emotionally, we can go at it, tick for tack, but I’d much rather that a person of that stature cut that check. So I respect Jay-Z for the decision he made. I would like for you to talk about some of the good things that you have going on in your life right now. David Banner: Everything happening in my life right now is positive. I would like for everybody to know that we have an opportunity after God blesses us to set our hopes so high, and understand that once you get to a certain level, there is no failing. Four years ago, I was homeless, so everything in my life now is positive. I got a show coming out on the Cartoon Network called, “That Crook’d ‘Sip”. I got my first movie that I just completed called, “Black Snake Moan” starring Justin Timberlake, Christina Ricci and the magnificent Samuel L. Jackson. I just finished producing a song for Chris Brown. I’ve submitted some music to Britney Spears, and it’s looking like they are going to accept the submission. Everything in my life is positive right now, I can’t lie to you. I’ve just won this amazing award and even though there was some negativity surrounding me receiving the Humanitarian award, that negativity brought exposure to the dedication to my community that I’ve been putting in all along as a philanthropist. I’m currently working on my fourth album on Universal, my fifth major release and ninth album overall, including my Independent releases. There are not too many people that can say that they’ve released 9 albums and are still relevant. But I’d like to leave a message with for the fans. One thing about our generation and the younger generation that we need to change is that we need to give our artists a chance to grow. Our artists are not going to be the same person as when their first album was released. You’re not going to like every song that Snoop released; you’re not going to like every song that Jay-Z released, it’s just impossible. My mother told me that being a visionary is a gift as well as a curse. The gift is that God has blessed you with a higher level of understanding that the average person doesn’t have. But the curse is that you can see so far ahead of people that you disconnect from them, waiting for them to catch up with you. So give your favorite artists a chance to grow and in return, grow along with them.

By: Rizoh If you saw last night’s Grammys, you probably noticed that Mary J Blige gave a very long acceptance speech the first time she took the stage to receive a trophy. Apparently, MJB didn’t expect to win again that night, hence the endless list of shout-outs. Well, it turns out Blige would dominate the R&B categories. She won for “Best R&B Album” and “Best R&B Song.” On the hip-hop end, Atlanta’s T.I. and Ludacris picked up two trophies each. Ludacris walked home with the biggest rap recognition for “Best Rap Album,” presented by Common and past winner Kanye West. Here’s a list of this year’s Grammy hip-hop/R&B winners: Best R&B Song: “Be Without You,” Mary J Blige Best R&B Album: The Breakthrough, Mary J Blige Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: "God Bless The Child," George Benson & Al Jarreau feat. Jill Scott Best R&B Performance By a Duo/Group: "Family Affair," (Sly & The Family Stone), John Legend, Joss Stone with Van Hunt Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Heaven," John Legend Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Be Without You," Mary J. Blige Best Contemporary R&B Album: B’Day, Beyonce Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "My Love," Justin Timberlake feat. T.I. Best Rap Album: Release Therapy, Ludacris Best Rap Song: “Money Maker,” Ludacris Best Rap Solo Performance: “What You Know,” T.I. Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group: "Ridin’," Chamillionaire ft Krayzie Bone

By: Hot Gossip Gal OK why is it that these young Hollywood girls have to mess with dudes that always disclose way too much information on them after their ‘relationship’ or ‘frolic comes to an end? Britney was hot talk in UK Sunday paper The news of the World yesterday. Ex lover Issac Cohen who has been hitting it since K Fed and Brit called in quits and Jonathan Rotem didn’t quite work out for the ‘Slave to Love,’ dished the dirt on Britney, her sexual appetite and her insecurities in the exclusive interview. "It was clear she was not over her marriage. The first time she invited me to her home I saw her wedding dress hung on the wall in a glass box. As we made love that night it was like Kevin was in bed beside us. She had not even begun to move on with her life." He may have even sounded concerned for Britney and her antics since she broke up with K-Fed at certain points throughout the interview, but at the end of the day he still sold his story to the paper.

By: Hot Gossip Gal All I can say is YAY. My girl MJB rocked the show last night winning a well deserved three awards and damn does she deserve them. Other notable winners were TI, Ludacris, Beyonce, Gnarls Barkley and Justin Timberlake. In regards to scrubbing up well for the event, not many people made me go urgh this year. Notable mentions go to Whitney Houston, Mary, Luda, Rhianna and that is literally just keeping it short and sweet as there were very few who failed to rock the red carpet. Nelly Furtado was a hot mess but hey can’t be perfect all the time. And Whitney really was back to her fabulous self last night at Clive Davis after party.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno After scoring two Grammys last night, one for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Heaven” and one for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Family Affair” with Joss Stone, and Van Hunt, John Legend is coming to a hood near you. The singer, songwriter and piano prodigy announced his spring tour dates to support his recently released album, Once Again. Legend will be joined by fellow Grammy nominee Corinne Bailey Rae. The tour launches on April 3 in Irvine, California and will run until May 4, ending in Atlanta. Legend is also slated to perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 5. Here’s the current itinerary: 04/03/07 Irvine, CA Bren Events Center 04/04/07 San Diego, CA Bayside Amphitheatre 04/06/07 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre 04/07/07 Berkeley, CA Greek Theater-U.C./Berkeley 04/10/07 Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre 04/12/07 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theater 04/13/07 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre 04/14/07 Detroit, MI Fox Theater 04/16/07 Akron, OH Akron Civic Auditorium 04/17/07 Toronto, ONT. Hummingbird Centre for Performing Arts 04/19/07 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre 04/20/07 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom 04/22/07 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center 04/23/07 New York, NY Theater At Madison Square Garden 04/25/07 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun 04/26/07 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theater 04/28/07 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion 04/29/07 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall 05/01/07 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live 05/02/07 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Casino 05/04/07 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheater 05/05/07 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Corinne Bailey Rae not on Jazz Fest bill)

By: Hot Gossip Gal Jay Z obviously is dead set on attaching his brand to any other brand on the market. And companies like Dell, GM Motors and now Coca Cola are benefiting from the music moguls magic touch. Brooklyn’s finest designed the new cherry coke can. Throwing a party in true NY style, numerous celebs turned up to check out the can and support their ‘boy’ including Diddy, Fabolous, Deborah Cox and Farnsworth Bentley.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno LL’s last album didn’t do too well. The last couple of movies, “Last Holiday” or “Edison”, hardly anyone remembers those, so what’s next? Head back to television. CBS gave the okay for a pilot of “The Man”, written by “CSI” creator Anthony Zuiker and starring LL, to be taped and considered to be added to the network’s fall lineup. “The Man” centers on an L.A. undercover cop, played by LL, who juggles his job while developing a fatherlike relationship with a boy orphaned after one of his drug busts, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Zuiker wrote the script and will be executive producing with LL and his manager Jason Barrett getting co-producing credit.

By: Hot Gossip Gal There has always been suspicions about blonde bombshell Anna Nichole Smith, former Playmate and widow of oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall who was 89 when she married him, she was 26. Hopefully the ones about her death will be over soon as the autopsy on the body of Trimspa’s spokesperson is under way. Illegal drugs were apparently found in the hotel room of Smith and there have been reports of alcohol being involved and yet some say she died of a broken heart. Hmmm not quite sure about the latter but prayers to her family and her infant daughter. RIP Anna Nichole.