July's Summer Edition of Red Zone Dj Music Magazine

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Musical News Now for the hot news this month..
Musical News past- what happened this month in musical history?
Songs Released in Music History for this month
This Months Birthdays in Music- Who do u share a birthday with?
Musical Deaths- Who died this month in Musical history?
Computer - Gaming News update
What Movies are hot this month.. Jan, Feb, March, April, May, June July for the latest reviews from our staff..
The Circle for this Months meeting is located; Do you want to get into the music business, please check this meeting.
The Hot Music this month
Jokes of the month- provided by Yadida

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June is Potty Training month
Viewpoint - Spanish Hip Hop
Viewpoint-NY Emceeing is Dead
Mothers Day
Word on the Street-Africa B brokers Peace

Musical Warnings - Save Internet Radio
Urgent Call to Dj's in April

Red Zone Blog News

March Warnings - Save Internet Radio
Urgent Call to Dj's in April

Music Charts for April Music Countdown for what is hot in the streets.

Do you want to get into the Music Business?  Check what's happening in the Circle this month?

Sure's Musical news: Week 1, Week 2,

The One day Scoop-find out about the Music Industry

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Computers - What is it that you should look for?

What is the craziest website?  Well how about this one!!

Printers - 3-D printing, is it the new move for printing.

 Double Layer DVD Drives

Laptop Security - some tips for Laptops.

Laptops - Are they the new addition to today's Dj's?

The iPhone is out now, for news, for specs click.

Watch out i-Phone, introducing Readius

Windows shortcut keys, do you want to add accents, use shortcut keys...

What is Lightscribe technology?  What does it do?  Does it work on CD/DVD?

Travel Gadgets - Some great travel gadgets that we have found on the net

Keep the Internet free: What can you do?

Save the Internet - Testimony before the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet

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What's going on this weekend?
 

Spidey Week

The One day Scoop-find out about the Music Industry

Thursdays

Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

Concerts

Clubs in NY Addresses

Miami Clubs addresses

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Ledisi will offer her soulful interpretations of various yuletide classics on her first-ever holiday album, titled It's Christmas (in stores Sept. 23). The 12-song collection boasts four new tracks and guest appearances from bluesman Keb' Mo' and trumpeter Christian Scott. Ledisi says that the album is the perfect soundtrack for those romantic holiday evenings. "I wanted the album to have that classic '50s feel but with an added sexiness," she explains.

Alicia Keys has lined up a bevy of North American dates for the second leg of her As I Am tour. The jaunt kicks off with a Sept. 12 gig in Mashantucket, Conn., and currently is now scheduled through a Sept. 27 show in Phoenix, Ariz. More dates are expected to be added shortly. In the meantime, click here to watch Alicia's new video for "Superwoman."

Young Jeezy will bring his version of The Recession to store shelves on Sept. 2. The disc is a follow-up to his 2006 platinum-selling effort, The Inspiration. In support of his upcoming release, Jeezy has lined up a three-week promo tour that kicks off next month. The trek will begin Aug. 10 in Houston and wrap up Sept. 2 in Atlanta. Click here to watch the new video for Jeezy's "Put On" (featuring Kanye West).

It's always good to get advise, even better to get it from someone who knows what he is talking about. Tyrese has taken the advice of Hollywood heavyweight Will Smith and is putting his singing career on hold and focusing on making films. "I'm no longer doing music," he says. "I'm going to get back to music eventually, but I've done 14 years of music. I really feel like at this point that every blessing taken for granted becomes a curse." Tyrese is currently shooting the sequel to movie blockbuster "Transformers".

Ne-Yo is finally admitting what fans may already know: He's a bad driver. This explains why the R&B tunesmith is not planning to buy a luxury car anytime soon. "I don't think I'll ever be buying a Lamborghini," he says. "I've had too many accidents. I tend not to see other people on the road." To keep up with what's going on in Ne-Yo's world, click here: Year of the Gentleman Blog. Ne-Yo wants to defy categorization with his upcoming disc, Year of the Gentleman (due Sept. 16), which contains collaborations with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump and pop beatmaker J.R. Rotem. "This album is about diversity," says Ne-Yo. "I think that one of the emphases will be that a gentleman is diverse." In the meantime, click here to check out the new song "Single," Ne-Yo's collaboration with New Kids on the Block.

When it comes to tours, Mariah Carey does it big. So for her next trek she promises a really big show. "I like elaborate," says Mimi of her upcoming jaunt, which will likely start in late fall. "We only do substantial. That's what my jeweler says." In the meantime, Mariah is set to perform at the Teen Choice Awards on Aug. 4, followed by the Fashion Rocks event on Sept. 5.

Foxy Brown and Lil Kim are both being sued by Simon & Schuster for allegedly not delivering books they promised to write. In two separate lawsuits, filed Thursday in New York, the publishing giant claims that it advanced Foxy $75,000 to pen her tell-all memoir, and paid Kim $40,000 for an untitled novel. "Both accepted the money, and both books never were delivered," says Simon & Schuster rep Adam Rothberg.

Timbaland is ready to shock the world again with Shock Value 2, the follow-up to his multiplatinum 2007 all-star collection. So far, the studio maverick has lined up Madonna, Beyoncé, the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, T-Pain and, of course, Jay-Z, for the project. "Shock Value is really like the Now That's What I Call Music! compilation," he says. "It gives me room to go tour across the world. People request me. I put on a musical show."

Tony Rich has inked a deal with Hidden Beach Recordings, and has set a Sept. 16 release date for his fifth album, titled Exist. The collection is the follow-up to his 2006 LP, Pictures. The disc's first single is "Part the Waves." To promote the upcoming album, Tony currently is on a tour that wraps up Aug. 1 in Atlanta.

Marvin Sapp's inspirational anthem "Never Would Have Made It" has become the longest-running No. 1 song on any Billboard singles chart, topping the gospel tally for 42 weeks. "It gives me the opportunity to take the notoriety and the acclaim that I've received from this project and posture it and position it so that I can help to educate children in our urban community," Marvin says of his success.

Controversy sells! Nas' untitled disc will premiere atop the Billboard 200 album tally this week, dethroning Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III after three nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1. The New York rhyme-spitter's set moved 187,000 copies in its first week of release, making it the fifth No. 1 album of his career. Meanwhile, Weezy's Carter LP drops to No. 2 with 105,000 copies sold.

Ashanti is set to embark on a new tour to draw in visitors to New York's Long Island, where she was born. The R&B chanteuse has been appointed as a "tourism ambassador" for the isle's Nassau County. "It was amazing to be asked, and I wanted to give something back to the community," says Ashanti. In the meantime, to check out the new video for her latest single, "Good Good," click this.

A federal jury ruled Thursday, the 18th, that the guy who designed Bratz actually came up with the idea for the uncomfortably big headed dolls when he was working for Mattel. As a result, MGA Entertainment, who manufactures the dolls, might have to pony up big-time to Mattel, Bratz make over $500 mil a year, according to some estimates. Damages have not been determined.

Lil Scrappy was arrested Friday in Atlanta after getting into an altercation with his sister's boyfriend. The rapper was apparently stabbed during the fight but didn't suffer any serious injuries. Police did charge Scrappy with felony use of a weapon and marijuana possession, as well as misdemeanor obstruction and battery. Scrappy was released Monday after posting a $1,500 bond.

Remember Al Jarreau, he will soon release his first-ever holiday album, Al Jarreau Christmas, on Oct. 14. The collection features 12 yuletide songs reinterpreted by the veteran vocalist. Among the gems are "Come All Ye Faithful," "Winter Wonderland," "The Christmas Song," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and more. Al's latest album, Love Songs, a collection of romantic ballads, is in stores now.

"I Kissed a Girl" singer Katy Perry wants a little Kiss with the Mouse House moneymaker Miley Cyrus. This new thought is sure to give the Disney execs another heart attack after the photo incident that got them potting aspirin for a bit. This was just the latest fun thing said about Miley of late. But Katy should wait on her thoughts, although she is 23 years of age, Miley is 15, so lets not be a pedophile ok there Katy, slow your roll.

Comedian Tracy Morgan was sentenced yesterday to alcohol counseling, five days of community service and a six-month license suspension for driving drunk along the Henry Hudson Parkway last fall. "Thank God I didn't get hurt and that nobody got hurt," Morgan, 38, said as he left Manhattan Criminal Court. He quickly added that he has stopped drinking.

T.I. is preparing to release his highly anticipated disc Paper Trial on Sept. 9. The set's official first single is "Whatever You Like," which was produced by Jim Jonsin, the hitmaker behind Lil Wayne's sweet ditty "Lollipop." The Atlanta rhyme-slinger also released the Swizz Beatz-blessed "Swing Your Rag," which is being embraced by the streets. "It's intense and insightful," says Tip of the album. "It's gonna shake up the game and it's me at my best."

Dave Hollister is set to release his second inspirational disc, Witness Protection, on Aug. 5. The collection is the follow-up to The Book of David: Transition, which garnered the gospel maverick a Stellar Award nomination. The LP's first single is "Striving." "I always write and record music that reflects where I am in life," says Dave."I was drawn towards a theme of persevering . . . because we know the test of our faith produces patience."

Yung Joc is in trouble.  He allegedly took off with almost $25,000 in stereo equipment. The rapper is due in court in Fulton County today to fight it out with the owners of Stereotypes, a high-end stereo outfit, who say that they put in a bunch of equipment in his whip last year, but got stiffed out of their fee. Joc was arrested last year for carrying a concealed weapon in Cleveland.

Madonna's brother has sponged off her for years. But now he is trying to cash in on her celebrity, by writing a book. Christopher Ciccone got booked on 'GMA' to pimp his new book, claiming that Gy Richie is homophobic, but the thought is that he just hates Christopher..

Timbaland says he's handling production on all tracks for Jay-Z's next album. Tim has finished six months of work on rocker Chris Cornell's album, and plans to block out several months with Jay at an undetermined time in the future. "I'm going to have songs with bagpipes," Tim says. "The music is gonna be so worldwide, he'll be able to tour the rest of his life, maybe, off just this one album." Hey, didn't he retire..??

Kanye West, Wyclef Jean and N.E.R.D. are set to rock the stage at the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which takes place in Denver on Aug. 25. Among the other celebrities expected to attend are Forest Whitaker, Scarlett Johansson and Ed Norton Jr.. In the meantime, check out 'Ye's fancy footwork in Fonzworth Bentley's new video for "Everybody," which also features the nicely well dressed André 3000.

Natalie Cole has revealed that she is suffering from hepatitis C, which affects the liver. The Grammy-winning singer was diagnosed with the disease during a routine visit to the doctor. "I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism," says Natalie, who is now virus negative after responding well to medication. The condition is believed to have stemmed from her past drug use.

Rihanna is teaming with clothing label Gucci for Tattoo Heart, an advocacy ad campaign for UNICEF. Come December, the singer will model limited-edition products; 25 percent of the proceeds from their sales will be donated to the charity. Meanwhile, In Style asked Rihanna if she was developing a fashion line. "Well, I am working on that right now," she says. "It takes a lot of effort, and I want to be involved with every step of the process."

Alicia Keys has unveiled the video for her empowering women's anthem "Superwoman." The clip features the songbird as she portrays women from all walks of life. Alicia credits her mother, Terri Augello, for being a superwoman, and for enrolling her in music classes to keep her out of trouble. "It was the best thing she ever did for me," Alicia says. Alicia Keys -- Official Site

After 50 years, the O'Jays are still giving fans what they want, whether the group is out on tour or making albums. O'Jays singer Walter Williams credits the members' respect for one another as the secret to their longevity. "That's probably the glue that's kept us together all these years: giving each other the right to be who you are," he says. The O'Jays currently are working on another holiday album and a live concert DVD.

Mariah Carey is giving both amateur and professional track-masters a chance to remix her latest single, "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" (featuring T.I.). On Tuesday, fans can sign up at the social-networking website Indaba Music, download the single and rework the song. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 26. The winner will be selected among 10 finalists by three judges, including Mark Sudack, who co-executive-produced Mimi's E=MC². "Mariah is the queen of the remix," says Mark.

Flesh-N-Bone (aka Stanley Howse) was released Sunday from California's Pleasant Valley State Prison after serving a 10-year sentence for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The rapper was greeted by the already reunited Bone Thugs-N-Harmony members Krayzie, Bizzy, Layzie and Wish Bone. Afterward, all five members went into the studio to start work on their reunion album. "I'm so happy for him to finally come home," says group manager Steve Lobel.

Alicia Keys raised nearly $700,000 for the Keep a Child Alive foundation as host of Thursday's Black Ball benefit in London. The evening included Alicia performing with singer Annie Lennox. Meanwhile, the "No One" singer is reportedly the new front-runner to perform the title song for the latest James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, which will be released in November. Her rep has not commented.

Marsha Ambrosius reveals that she hasn't spoken to ex-Floetry partner Natalie Stewart in a year, admitting the duo's breakup was largely due to personal differences. "I tried to be there for her as a friend and she kind of pushed me away, so you can't help anybody that doesn't want to be helped," says Marsha. Currently, Marsha is working on her first solo album, while also penning songs for Ciara, the Pussycat Dolls and others.

Ashanti still won't confirm that she's in a relationship with Nelly, but she does admit that they spend plenty of time together. "Me and Nelly are really great friends," she explains in a new interview. "We hang out, we go to the movies, we go to the game & we like to kick it." Ashanti also addresses the enduring legal troubles of former label Murder Inc., saying the situation "was a very disheartening time" in her career.

Donna Summer says fans attending her recently launched North American tour should show up with a positive attitude. "Hopefully, they come to have a good time because I don't think that I represent a bad time," she explains. "The sense is this is going to be a party, this is going to be fun." Donna's trek in support of her new album, Crayons, is scheduled through an Aug. 31st gig in Prior Lake, Minn. In other maternal news, “My Wife & Kids” regular Brooklyn Sudano has been cast as love interest to Steve Sandvoss’ character in the SciFi Channel’s two-hour pilot “Revolution,” about a rebellious Earth colony in the 22nd century. if you did not know, Brooklyn is Donna's daughter.

Bobby Brown said recently, that getting ousted from New Edition in December 1985 was actually a blessing in disguise. "It was only them kicking me out the group that made me like, 'Yo, if I don't succeed, I ain't going to be anything back home,'" recalls the singer. Brown adds that getting fired by the R&B combo taught him "a lesson" for his future solo career.

Although Jay-Z hasn't officially started recording a new album, he says he has his next project mapped out. "I can't give you the concepts or themes, but I've got a very clear direction of where I want to go with this one, and we'll see how it works," he says. Meanwhile, the rapper has partnered with Thumbplay for release of 10 exclusive ringtones featuring some of his biggest hits.

Usher is reportedly considering rehiring his mother, Jonetta Patton, as his manager. After the crooner's Here I Stand apparently failed to meet his own opening-week sales expectations, he is said to be upset with the work done by his current manager, Benny Medina. Tension between Jonetta and Usher's wife, Tameka Foster, was said to be the reason he dismissed his mother in the first place. However, the disagreements have reportedly lessened since the singer's son was born.

Cyber sleuthing just got easier with the onslaught of crime stats as they happen. So if you are worried about what is going on around you are just curious check out out new article in our own computer news.

The first weekend of Julys Movies fares well as can be considered with the range of movies that are out. Hancock, which is the 5th movie with Will Smith in it to debut at the no. 1 spot on July 4th weekend with more than just 66 Million dollars. The rest are:
 1. Hancock - $66M
2. Wall-E - $33.5M
3 Wanted - $20.6M
4 Get Smart - $11.1M
5 Kung Fu Panda $7.5M    This rounds out the top 5 this weekend, click for reviews.

Well, since I been at the Spy Club in NYC, I had special guests Dj Funkmaster Flex, Dj Mike Negron, Dj Tito, Dj DPrizzy, Dj Peter Parker, just so many more. So come one and all to Spy Club and say hi in the Dj booth to my special guests on Thursday to Saturday some of the best Djs to work with putting down the hottest sounds.

Alicia Keys fans donated roughly $40,000 to the Keep a Child Alive charity during her recent U.S. tour. She encouraged concertgoers to donate via text message at each tour stop, and close to 8,000 people participated. "Texting can provide a way to give at that instant when we are moved, rather than later when life takes over," Alicia explains. Meanwhile, check out a new interview with the singer here:

Lindsay Lohan had a low-key birthday party on Wednesday night.  She had dinner at Magnolia, and then off to a low-key party at Teddys in the Roosevelt Hotel. Good thing was she was sober and pigging out on some luscious cupcakes. It was so boring that the only celebrity that came was Chris Brown and he left early. At least it was a good celebrity.

Who would have thought that Rapper Ludacris, yes you heard me, Luda as a supporter of the super Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama. "I met him, and he's an extremely humble, down-to-earth guy," says Luda. "And I really feel like that's what we need right now." And it is good for the nominee to have Hip Hop's support. Meanwhile, rappers Snoop Dogg, T.I., LL Cool J and others are appearing in a public service announcement to help launch the Vote for It '08 campaign. The ad will debut via YouTube on July 9 and air nationwide in August.

Young Jeezy has signed on to make his film debut as a hip-hop artist in the comedy Janky Promoters, written by and starring Ice Cube. Meanwhile, Jeezy has confirmed a rumored romantic relationship with R&B singer Keyshia Cole, and says she even proposed to him. His reply: "I was grown enough to tell her, 'Look baby, that isn't what it is right now . . . I'm trying to get my money, take care of me and mine.'"

Nas has broken his rule of never aligning himself with a name brand by agreeing to a one-year pact with athletic clothing company Fila. "My best friend Will and I loved Fila," states Nas. "It represented prestige and everything that was cool to us." Fila president John Epstein added that the company's partnership with the New York verbalist happened quite naturally. "Nas isn't interested in selling out," he says. "He's interested in being true, and that fits with our brand."

American Idol season 5 finalist Paris Bennett has revealed that she is both engaged and pregnant. "Yes, I'm engaged and with child; a girl and her name will be Egypt," the 19-year-old songbird announced on her blog. "She will be here in October just before the holiday album." Paris's mother, Jamecia, is elated about being grandmother for the very first time. "I'm proud of how she did it," says Jamecia.

Giving is good for the soul, and giving back is even better, so now we have the rapper Plies. Yes, Plies has formed his own nonprofit organization called the Big Gates and Plies Power of Vision Foundation to empower inner-city youth. As part of his initiative, the Florida rapper has established the Somebody Loves You Scholarship Fund. The program is designed to provide financial aid to college students whose parents are incarcerated. Two $5,000 scholarships will go to one male and one female who qualify for the aid.

Tim McGraw got majorly upset at a rowdy fan in Washington last week. Tim went knuckle to knuckle or knuckle up to some of you, and now the paps are giving him grief. Well, sometimes you got to regulate on some pond scum, ya heard.

Soulja Boy Tell'em has inked a multiyear sneaker and clothing deal with Yums Shoes, a Dallas-based youth-oriented apparel company. The Atlanta rhyme-slinger will endorse his own signature kicks, which boast colorful artwork designed by graffiti writer Tex. Soulja is expected to promote his new shoe line in conjunction with the fall release of his second disc, iSouljaboy. "The Soulja Boy cartoon will also be released in the fall, so there's three things to look out for," adds Soulja.

Here's a story that everyone knew would happen sooner or later:  If you thought the Hulk Smash, check out Amy Winehouse below. Click this. She was hospitalized after punching a fan at a musical festival. The anorexic Amy may be small but she was no joke at the festival in London.  She climbed down into the pit after the fan tried to touch her beehive. Even though the video shows the security leading her out after one more push. No word on fans health.

Ok, now Madonna is said to be in a tizzy over the rumors, mind you, that her and Guy Ritchie are splitting up. She was set upon while she was leaving the Kabbalah Center in NYC by the Paps. The paps were heard to say to her very mum personage 'The world wants to know Madonna!' I do not know about that much. But she is fantastic, sorry M...

In addition to his planned spiritual album The Gospel Inspired by Lula, Stevie Wonder is working on a project titled Through the Eyes of Wonder. The singer-songwriter-keyboardist describes the work as a performance piece that reflects his experiences as a blind man. "What I want to do with our live performances is to create visuals that [give] my take on how I see the world and how most various things affected me," he explains.

Kanye West nabbed two star trophies Tuesday at the BET Awards in Los Angeles. The dapper rhyme-slinger was named Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and shared a trophy with T-Pain for Best Collaboration ("Good Life"). Other winners included Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, The-Dream and UGK (with OutKast). In other 'Ye news, the rapper-producer posted an all caps-filled rant about his ill-received set at the recent Bonnaroo festival.

Rapper Rick Ross has shot down a recent report that he is set to marry rhyme-slinging diva Foxy Brown. The two grace the cover of Hip-Hop Weekly, which reports that the two are planning their nuptials together. "The engagement is just speculation," says Rick, who won't even confirm that he and Foxy are even a couple. "I'm married to the money."

Eric Benét has been tapped to perform at the second annual Global Fusion Festival, which takes place July 19 in Philadelphia. Also singing at the cultural-music event are fellow R&B balladeers Noel Gourdin and Carl Thomas. Meanwhile, Eric will host a free block party in his hometown of Milwaukee on July 2. The singer will shoot portions of the event for the video for his latest single, "You Are the Only One." He has come a long way after marrying Halle Berry and the Group Benét.

Soulja Boy plans to drop his second album, iSouljaBoy, in the fall. Unlike his first effort, the Atlanta verbalist will not produce the entire collection, but hopes to collaborate with hitmaker Polow Da Don and singer Sean Kingston. "The album is gonna be crazy," he says. As for his much-publicized diss-a-thon with Ice-T over his music, Soulja says he's not sweating it. "I ain't scared of dude," Soulja spits. "This ain't no beef or drama."

A Timbaland-helmed Jay-Z album may not come to fruition, after all. Despite what the hitmaker has told the press, Jigga doesn't see Timbo exclusively producing his follow-up to American Gangster. "I love Timbaland," he says. "But until the music is done it's premature. If Timbaland makes 10 great tracks, then he produces the album. If Kanye West makes 10 great tracks, then he produces the album. I let the music dictate the direction."

Reps for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama have condemned Ludacris for hurling insults at President Bush, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Republican presidential candidate John McCain in the rapper's latest song, "Politics as Usual." "While Ludacris is a talented individual, he should be ashamed of these lyrics," says a statement from Obama's camp. Meanwhile, the political action committee WomenCount is demanding an apology from Luda for the song's "hateful, sexist language."

Mike Jones, Lil Flip and Slim Thug are among a bevy of Houston rhyme-slingers who are headlining the inaugural Kingwood Summer Jam on Aug. 16. Proceeds from the concert will go to funding a scholarship program for Kingwood and Kingwood Park High School. In addition, a donation will be made in the memory of two students from the school who were fatally injured in a car accident.

Aretha Franklin is among the superstar acts who are headlining the @Ross Summer '08 concert series in Long Island, N.Y. The Queen of Soul will headline an Aug. 23 concert that will help raise money for scholarships and activities for the Ross School in East Hampton. Other headliners include the pop trio the Jonas Brothers and performers from various Broadway plays.

Ciara, who graces the cover of the latest edition of Billboard magazine, will offer fans three unique musical styles, sensual, crunk and dance, on her upcoming album, Fantasy Ride. "My mission is to take fans on a musical journey to three different sounds that represent me," says Ciara. And "The music flows together. I could give you a basic album in a 12-song layout, but I wanted to be more creative."

Atlanta-based musicians Keith Sweat and Ludacris will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on Sept 20. The artists are being saluted for their contributions to the local music scene. The 30th annual induction ceremony is being held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. Keith and Luda join such previous inductees as Usher, Jermaine Dupri, TLC and Dallas Austin.

A Gibson Goddess guitar autographed by Aretha Franklin and an First Act guitar signed by Stevie Wonder, Usher and Akon are among the items under the hammer as part of a new Grammy Charities online auction, currently running through July 31. Memorabilia from John Legend, Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, Rihanna and many other artists are also up for sale. Place your bids here: eBay

Several anti-smoking groups have signed a letter urging Alicia Keys to rethink her July 31 concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, because the gig is sponsored by an international subsidiary of the Philip Morris Tobacco Company. A new billboard campaign advertises the show as a "Mild Live Production" and features a picture of Alicia, along with the logo for an Indonesian brand of cigarette called Mild. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

T.I. has decided to change the release date of his highly anticipated disc Paper Trail from Sept. 9 to Sept. 30. "We're not ready yet," says the rapper's publicist. The Atlanta wordsmith is currently shooting a video for the set's first single, "Whatever You Like," which should premiere in two weeks. In the meantime, check out T.I. in a roundtable discussion on rap beefs here.

Rihanna will appear in Circuit City's back to school ad campaign. Her face, along with sound and video clips from new single "Disturbia," will be featured in online ads. A free mobile voice tone and mobile wallpaper will also be available at Circuit City's website. Meanwhile, check out the "Disturbia" video here  or below, and pick it up on iTunes.
 

Brandy has signed on to be a model for Skechers' "Nothing Compares to Family" campaign. The promotion's aim is to showcase celebrity parents who embody family values and connect them with consumers through family-based charities. Brandy poses with her 6-year-old daughter, Sy'rai, in the footwear ad, which will appear in various lifestyle magazines. "It's great to be part of Skechers' campaign, which promotes and benefits families and children," says the singer.

John Legend recently shot a video for his latest single, "Green Light" (featuring Andre 3000), taken from his upcoming LP, Evolver. The clip features the crooner chasing after a beautiful female partygoer at a Beverly Hills bash. But it also features synchronized swimmers, a dance sequence and showgirls. "The video definitely has a story line in it," says John. "But we just take it kind of different places to do some unexpected visual things."

Dr. Dre says that his looong-awaited Detox LP should hit shelves before year's end. "It's something I can be proud of, and everybody is going to love it," says Dre of the collection. "In a perfect world, I'm shooting for a November or December release." In the meantime, Beats by Dr. Dre high-fidelity headphones will go on sale via retailers and online stores this Friday.

Fans will be able to witness Robin Thicke's "Magic" live in concert next month on his summer tour. His soulful trek kicks off Aug. 9 in San Diego and wraps up Aug. 24 in Covington, Ky. Robin's third studio effort, Something Else, is set to arrive in stores Sept. 9. His latest single, "Magic," is currently rising on the R&B/hip-hop charts. You can watch the video here.

DMX was arrested again, this is his fourth run-in with Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies within a year, rapper DMX now faces charges of theft of services and identity theft for trying to avoid paying $7,500 in medical bills from Scottsdale's Mayo Clinic in April, officials said. DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was arrested at Metro center shopping mall Saturday. On Sunday, he was held in isolation, for his safety, at the Towers Jail on a $60,000 bond, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said Sunday. Simmons was indicted Wednesday on the two felony charges, Arpaio said. In April, the 37-year-old rapper went for treatment at Scottsdale's Mayo Clinic. He stayed nine hours, racking up the $7,500 bill, but provided hospital staff with a false name, "Troy Jones," and a fake Social Security number, Arpaio said. It is said that DMX also gave a non-existent address in Yonkers, N.Y., and provided false contact information, including the name of a girlfriend, "Jennifer Martinez," and a cell-phone number, officials said. Simmons' Phoenix attorney Charles Kozelka said on Sunday night that Arpaio's involvement in the case and his statement to the media shows he is "out to get Mr. Simmons."

Keyshia Cole honored her mother, Ms. Frankie, with a celebrity-filled 48th birthday party Saturday in Atlanta. Among the A-list celebs who reportedly attended the event were Monica, Akon and Snoop Dogg. "I came out to show my support because Ms. Frankie is like a mother to all of us," says Monica. The bash also was being taped for Ms. Frankie's reality show, Holla: I'm Just Frankie!, which is in preproduction.

Usher kicked off a voter-registration drive called "I Can't but U-Can" in Atlanta on Sunday. The initiative was created to get young teens to encourage their parents and adult siblings to participate in the presidential elections. Meanwhile, T.I. has partnered with the Hip Hop Caucus to help launch the Get Out the Vote campaign. A voter-registration rally is being held in Washington, D.C., on July 28. For more info, click here.

Despite being one of R&B's successful tunesmiths, Ne-Yo feels he's still not getting the recognition he deserves from the mainstream media. "I've never been on the cover of Vibe or Rolling Stone," he muses. "But take someone like Britney [Spears], or someone who has a heroin addiction, and they're like the news [of] the universe. It's not because of their music . . . it's because of their malfunction. Do I have to sell my soul so that someone can sell a magazine?" Meanwhile, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown are reworking classic jingles for Wrigley's chewing gum. Ne-Yo is paired with Big Red and Chris will sing about Doublemint. The new jingles will be unveiled during a concert in New York on July 29. Meanwhile, Ne-Yo has issued a new song from his upcoming third album, Year of the Gentleman. Check out "Miss Independent"

50 Cent will get some more quality time with his son, Marquise, following a ruling from a Central Islip, N.Y., judge. The rapper passed a required drug test to clear the way to take his son on vacation from Aug. 3rd to 12th. "I haven't seen my son in a while. That's why I came here today," 50 said after Thursday's hearing. Meanwhile, the boy's mother, Shaniqua Tompkins, denies trying to keep father and son apart. In other News: 50 Cent has just slapped Taco Bell with a copyright-infringement lawsuit, claiming that the fast-food chain used his name without permission. According to the suit, Taco Bell infringed on the rapper's trademark for a "guerilla" ad campaign promoting its value menu. The promotion asks 50 if he would change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. 50 is seeking $1 million in damages.

Despite being one of R&B's successful tunesmiths, Ne-Yo feels he's still not getting the recognition he deserves from the mainstream media. "I've never been on the cover of Vibe or Rolling Stone," he muses. "But take someone like Britney [Spears], or someone who has a heroin addiction, and they're like the news [of] the universe. It's not because of their music . . . it's because of their malfunction. Do I have to sell my soul so that someone can sell a magazine?"

More than 300 personal items from James Brown sold Thursday at Christie's, but the day's tally of $857,688 was less than the auction house had expected. Among the bidders was Late Show With David Letterman bandleader Paul Shaffer, who took home the medical bracelet James wore at the time of his 2006 death. Not everyone was happy about the auction, though. "It's a very sad day for me and my family," said James' son Larry Brown.

The Boy Band Menudo was in a little trouble. They got thrown off a Delta Flight. Carlos Oliviero had a attitude according to the airline. He refused to take off his head phones and was promptly thrown off, which is a humbling experience to say the least. It was thought that the i-Pod was on, and that started it off badly. The band was headed to Knoxville TN.

Lil Wayne continues his reign on the Billboard 200 album chart as his latest LP, Tha Carter III, notches a third non-consecutive week at No. 1. The disc moved another 125,000 copies last week to push its total sales past the 1.8 million mark. In other news, Weezy appears on T-Pain's new song "Can't Believe It," which is the first single from Pain's upcoming disc, Thr33 Ringz.

Mariah Carey, Nas and Nelly have been tapped to perform at stops on the second annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush free concert series. Mimi will kick off the series on July 31st in Los Angeles. Nelly is headlining the Aug. 19th show in Atlanta, while Nas is performing at the Aug. 27th event in New York. Meanwhile, Mariah will sing her latest tune "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" at the Teen Choice Awards, which Fox is broadcasting Aug. 4th at 8 p.m. EST.

Following in the footsteps of the Eagles and Journey, Earth, Wind & Fire plan to sell their next LP exclusively at a major retailer. The group hopes to develop a three-disc collection that will boast a CD of original songs, a live CD and a concert DVD. "That's the new thing today," says EW&F member Philip Bailey. "We have a history and a catalog and everything. We're still viable."

Original Village People singer Victor Willis was released from a San Diego hospital Monday after undergoing vocal-cord surgery. According to his rep, Linda Smith, doctors have advised the crooner not to sing for 90 days, but he has resumed talking. Victor is in good spirits and hopes to restart his singing career within a few months. "I feel great and look forward to performing before the end of the year, but I can't say for sure," says Victor.

According to reports, Erykah Badu is pregnant with her third child and the father is rapper-beatmaker Jay Electronica. The news has garnered heated reactions from fans who criticize the singer for having babies out of wedlock. In response, Erykah posted a angry visage chastising those who question her lifestyle. "If I lose you as a fan because I want to continue to have children, then bite me," she wrote. At the end of her rant, Erykah signs off with, "Kiss my placenta."

A guy who dared to take on the Notorious B.I.G. in a freestyle showdown 14 years ago is still embarrassed from the battle, and now he wants $20 mil from the filmmakers who showed it to the world. In a Federal lawsuit, William Troy McCune (who goes by the rap name Supreme) says he suffered "irreparable harm, mental distress, and disturbance of his peace of mind"

On July 29, Rhino Records plans to rerelease three out-of-print Sheila E albums, Romance 1600, Sheila E and Sex Cymbal, as well as the Time's 1990 LP Pandemonium. Sheila's Romance 1600 features the hit single "Love Bizarre." The Time's Pandemonium was the group's final album together and boasts the No. 1 R&B song "Jerk Out."

Yung Berg has issued an apology after causing an uproar with insensitive remarks he made about black women. "I'm totally sorry and hope I didn't offend any of my fans that have love for YB," he says. Meanwhile, YB will rap and sing on his all-star filled LP, Look What You Made Me (due Aug. 12). "I'm an R&B dude at heart and I like rap," he says. "I'm multitasking."

Faith Evans' long-awaited memoir, Keep the Faith, will arrive in bookstores on Aug. 29. The R&B songbird will open up about her personal life, including her tumultuous marriage with late husband Notorious B.I.G. "Since I am always linked to Big, there are a lot of misconceptions about who I really am," explains Faith. "I've decided I'll tell my own story. For Big. For my children. And for myself."

Rap has been getting real serious as of late, which is why the Chicago trio Hot Stylz want to bring some levity with their comical ditty "Lookin' Boy" (featuring Yung Joc). "We're entertainers, not rappers," says Stylz member Raydio G. "You might catch us stripping butt naked onstage, but it's not all just limited to rap though. Right now, it's just about having a good time." Hot Stylz's debut album, Yo Mama Gotta Mustache, will hit shelves this summer.

Snoop Dogg (with production assists from Teddy Riley and DJ Quik) will offer his interpretation of Johnny Cash's classic song "I Walk the Line" for the upcoming compilation Johnny Cash Remixed. The collection, which hits stores Oct. 16, boasts several noted producers remixing tunes from the late country legend's repertoire. Among the trackmasters featured on the set is pioneer beatmaker Pete Rock, who is remixing Johnny's "Folsom Prison Blues."

While Van Hunt was dropped by Blue Note Records and his unreleased album Popular was shelved, the singer-guitarist hopes his music will somehow reach fans -- even if it means being categorized. "I wouldn't care if they labeled my music 'neo-soul' or 'new and improved toilet paper,'" Van says. "As long as I don't compromise on the creativity and as long as my work sits on the front shelf with all of the other 'hot' [albums]."

Before Algebra Blessett became one of soul music's rising stars, she honed her performing skills singing regularly at amateur showcases in Atlanta. The R&B singer knew early on that if she wrote her own songs, she would achieve greater musical freedom. "Soon you learn not to care what others think, you learn to perform for you," she says. "I would come back week after week and I learned to perform for balance and for freedom. I was becoming alive."

Usher and his 9-month-old son, Usher Raymond V, grace the cover of the August issue of Essence magazine, which is out now on newsstands. In a revealing interview, Usher talks about fatherhood and why raising his son is a responsibility he takes very seriously. "He's gonna admire me, he's gonna look up to me," the crooner says of his son. "You should never abandon that responsibility, which is . . . being supportive of your child's growth."

Well, this weekend was filled with fun and surprises. I spent this weekend with some of the best. Dj Camillo was with me at Spy on Thursday, bringing in my birthday. Spy Club is located at 19th street. The 11th, I shared my birthday with some of the hottest Djs and some great Freestlye singers. Artie, Joey Kidd, Johnny O and so many others. It was so much fun, most came to wish me and the awesome record company leader Big Al J. It was held at Lemon Tree nightclub in Queens, on Queens blvd. And also rocked it at Spy for the pre and after hours party with Ruben Rubin. I went from House, to Freestyle to House again. But topping off the weekend, I joined my good friend Dj Tony Touch, aka Tony Toca to celebrate his birthday. His brothers birthday was the 10th and we had fun bringing down the heat. After hours brought some great music and ended a great birthday weekend.

Kanye West has taken to his blog to debunk a report that he is slated to take anger-management courses. The plan was supposedly hatched to help him score more endorsement bucks. "I have never had any conversations about anger management," he writes. "If anything, I need anger enhancement!" The rapper further tells fans to only trust one source for Kanye news: "If there's anything I wanna say, I'll say right here on my own blog."

Noel Gourdin, who's scored a summer hit with his ballad "The River," will release his debut album, After My Time, on July 22. The up-and-comer says he was thrilled to workshop several early tracks with renowned producer Dr. Dre. "When we were done, Dre said the door is always open," Noel remembers. "That was major validation." Check out the video for "The River" here.

Singer Patti LaBelle believes that racism is a big reason why she hasn't had a major hit in a number of years. "You take the song 'If You Asked Me To' that I did and my friend Céline Dion did with basically the same arrangement," she reasons. "She sold a trillion copies and I sold two copies. I know it's racist. I know if I had a white face with my voice, I would be bigger."

Eminem is being actively sued by a man who claims that the rapper sucker-punched him two years ago at a strip club in Detroit.