Roger Waters Marries Laurie Durning, Talks of 'Clinging to Pink Floyd Trademark'

Stefan M. Prager, Redferns

Roger Waters married filmmaker and longtime girlfriend Laurie Durning in Southampton, New York on Jan. 14. This is the fourth wedding for the Pink Floyd icon, who became engaged to Durning in 2004.

"Well, actually, I need to bring you up to date because I just got married on Saturday to Laurie, she's gorgeous," Waters revealed to Howard Stern during an hour-long interview Jan. 18 on his SiriusXM show.

"Yeah, I couldn't be happier. We did [the pre-nup]. We've been living together for 10 years, I think we sort of know now that we like getting up together in the morning and going to bed at night."

Johnny Otis, 'Willie and the Hand Jive' Songwriter and R&B Icon, Dead at 90

GAB Archive, Redferns

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Johnny Otis -- best known for writing the 1958 hit 'Willie and the Hand Jive' -- died Jan. 17 in Los Angeles. He was 90.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Otis -- born Johnny Veliotes -- was raised in Berkeley, CA, and began playing drums in his early 20s around the Los Angeles R&B scene which predominantly consisted of black artists performing with Otis, who was white. Today, he is considered by many to be the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues."

"When I got near teen age, I was so happy with my friends and the African American culture that I couldn't imagine not being a part of it," he said in a 1991 interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Weakerthan's John K. Samson Goes Solo, Ponders 'Provincial' Roads and Occupy

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It's hard to imagine Bruce Springsteen being from anywhere other than New Jersey, and in much the same way, John K. Samson's affiliation with his home province of Manitoba has become the stuff of CanRock legend.

As frontman for the Weakerthans since the band's formation in 1997, Samson's lyrics have often exposed harsh truths about life in and around Winnipeg. But over the past two years, Samson has been edging even closer into Springsteen-themed territory with solo recordings directly inspired by Manitoba roads. These now provide the backbone of 'Provincial,' Samson's first full-length solo venture since a 1993 cassette recorded while he was still a part of Winnipeg punk institution Propagandhi.

"My idea for this record was, if someone had a couple of days free, they could come to me and I could take them to the site of each song," Sampson tells Spinner, noting that much of the album's subject matter, such as the notorious history of the Ninette, Manitoba tuberculosis sanitorium, and a petition to get Riverton, Manitoba NHL star Reggie Leach into the Hockey Hall of Fame, was ultimately fleshed out by his unquenchable thirst for gathering details.

8-Year-Old Australian Girl Performs 'My First Hardcore Song' -- (VIDEO)

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She sings! She screams! She plays with puppies and plush toys! But most of all, she does a mean moshpit windmill.

Meet Juliet, an adorable and precocious 8-year-old girl from Australia who just issued 'My First Hardcore Song,' a video that has gone viral today. In the minute-long clip, Juliet makes the tough guy hardcore face -rawr!- hugs her dog, Robert, while confessing her love for him and her fish, and demands "Let's open up the pit." Yes, ma'am. Whatever you say, Juliet!

Kenny G and Wife File for Divorce

Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images for In Style

Saxophone virtuoso Kenny G and his wife Lyndie Benson-Gorelick have filed for divorce. According to TMZ, the couple seek to legally separate after 20 years of marriage. The soprano sax maven is reportedly worth around $50 million, so a lot of money is at stake.

Both parties have lawyered up big time. The 55-year-old reed man has hired Laura Wasser, attorney for Britney Spears and Kim Kardashian, while his estranged wife his hired Hollywood's Gary Fishbein.

Fleet Foxes Drummer J. Tillman Leaves Band After Four Years

Sean Pecknold

J. Tillman, drummer of Fleet Foxes, is heading for greener pastures, or so he hopes. He made the announcement via his Tumblr, bidding goodbye after joining in 2008: "Farewell Fleet Fans and Friends. Back into the gaping maw of obscurity I go."

"Tokyo is my last show with the Foxes," he continued. The show takes place Friday night (Jan. 20), so if you're a fan in the Tokyo metropolitan area or have a lot of airline miles on your hands, then you know where to be. Though he hasn't made it clear exactly what he will be doing post-Foxes, the guy is a veritable folk Swiss Army Knife, he has maintained a steady stream of releases since 2004 and has toured with David Bazan and Damien Jurado.

Etta James Dead at 73: 'At Last' Singer Dies After Leukemia Battle

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Etta James, the powerhouse singer who combined blues, gospel and R&B and emerged as a major star in the '50s and '60s, has died after a long battle with leukemia. According to CNN, the sad news was confirmed by her friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, who revealed that James died in a Riverside, Calif., hospital. She was 73.

Best known for her 1961 version of 'At Last,' James enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned more than a half-century. Her string of hits began with 1955's 'The Wallflower (Dance With Me, Henry)' and continued with such classics as 'Spoonful,' 'Something's Got a Hold on Me' and 'Tell Mama.' Over the years, she won six Grammy awards, and in 1993, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The singer's life was not without hardship, however. Her popularity declined in the '70s and '80s, and she struggled for years with an addiction to heroin. While she earned plaudits for the 1988 "comeback" album 'Seven Year Itch,' recorded after she'd completed a stint at the Betty Ford Center, health troubles continued to plague her throughout her life. In addition to leukemia, she spent recent years grappling with dementia, Hepatitis C and Alzheimer's disease, and in January 2010, she was hospitalized for sepsis.

Lana Del Rey: Can Artifice Survive in the Age of Adele?

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2011 was another dismal year for the economy. With U.S. layoffs soaring, European protests raging and 'Occupy Wall Street' dominating North American news all fall, the recession was etched into our collective psyches. Yet somehow the music industry saw a boom in sales after a seven-year slump thanks, in large part, to Adele.

The British songbird was a commercial and critical success, selling over 6 million copies of her Grammy-nominated sophomore effort '21' and occupying most critic year-end lists. '21' debuted atop Billboard's charts and spent 16 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1, tying the 'Titanic' soundtrack from way back in 1997.

Adele embodied authenticity by refusing to fit into pop music's superficial and sexed-up landscape; she broke its mould altogether. Adele simply stood on her own laurels as a great singer. No bells, no whistles, no fireworks-blasting boobs. Despite wallets being tight, people shelled out in record-breaking droves.

Dave Grohl Q&A: Why Rock Will Never Die & Why 2011 Was His Best Year Ever

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Lollapalooza in Chile, Brazil Announce Lineups: Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Bjork

Calvin Harris, MGMT,  TV On The Radio, and others also set to play Lollapalooza's debut in Brazil and second annual festival in Chile.

The Year in Rock: Who's the New Kid?

Despite releasing their debut more than two years ago (in their native England), Mumford & Sons continue to ride out the strength of “Sigh No More” straight to the top of our 2011 Rock Artists ranking.

After 17 years spent lurking on the fringes of rock superstardom, Foo Fighters now find themselves, in many ways, leading the charge for a resurgent modern rock scene. 2011 was reaffirming year for the Foos on many fronts, driven by the success of the band's critically-lauded seventh studio album, "Wasting Light" -- and the blowout global tour and six Grammy noms, including Album of the Year, that followed.

New Music: French Montana – Ghetto Boy ft. Uncle Murda & Torch

Recently signed Bad Boy rapper French Montana hooks up with fellow New York rappers Uncle Murda and Torch to drop a blazing hot street single called “Ghetto Boy.” Produced by Aone, this track has these three street dudes rapping about their upbringing, and now their environment shaped who they are today.

French is on the hook as usual, and he kills it time after time. It seems that French is starting to become the go to guy for hooks lately, jumping on tracks with almost every notable rapper in the game today. The song is alright, but it’s sounds like a fusion of hip-hop and country music.

Mike Posner's 'Looks Like Sex' Video: Looks Like Sex

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It couldn't have taken Mike Posner long to pick 'Looks Like Sex' as the lead single from his forthcoming sophomore album, 'Sky High.' Singles lead to videos, and when you've got a tune that goes, "That ass makes me want to oooh-ooh-ooh," it lends itself to some pretty risque -- read: fun-to-shoot -- visuals.

Sure enough, the just-released clip finds the Detroit electro-hip-hop singer and songwriter cavorting around with a bevy of barely dressed hotties. One wears nothing but body paint, while most of the others opt for glow-in-the-dark lingerie.

At one point, two girls appear in silhouette and rub white powder all over each other. Not to be out-sexed, the body-paint girl follows their display with a memorable bathtub scene.

Queen Latifah Steps Onstage With Miami Drag Queen

Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic

Queen Latifah took some time off from her 'Joyful Noise' promo blitz to engage in the Miami nightlife. While she was likely basking in the sun during the day, it was when the sun went down that the 'U.N.I.T.Y.' rapper rubbed elbows with drag queens at local hotspot Twist.

The New York Daily News' Gatecrasher reports that the New Jersey native spent some time at the South Beach venue -- touted as the "longest running gay club in Miami" -- last week. A source spilled the secret of her appearance at the spot and revealed that she hopped up onstage with a drag queen.

According to the insider, Latifah "came up out of the shadows" and joined the drag queen, who was clad in a pink and green camouflage-colored Spandex onesie, during her set. The 41-year-old rhymer-turned actress was visibly joyful -- pun intended -- and began planting kisses on the performer's cheeks as her large group of friends watched.

Beyonce, Mathew Knowles Reunite at Blue Ivy's Birth

Dave M. Benett, Getty Images

As Beyonce was giving birth to daughter Blue Ivy Carter on Jan. 7, she put past differences aside and made amends with her father, Mathew Knowles, according to Mediatakeout.com.

While the '4' songstress initially didn't want her dad there, husband Jay-Z reportedly convinced her to invite him to the hospital. It proved an emotional reunion, and seeing Mathew at the very moment she was about to give birth, Beyonce was apparently moved to tears.

Mateo Says Alicia Keys 'Ups My Standards' in the Studio

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You could say Iman "Mateo" Jordan is a hopeless romantic. "I know it sounds cliché," the Ohio singer-songwriter-pianist tells The BoomBox with a hint of amusement in his voice. "But I have to describe my music as love. I think everyone can relate to that."

Indeed, the crooner, who was signed by producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers and Grammy-winning superstar Alicia Keys to the Krucial Noise imprint in 2010, wears his heart on his sleeve.

His 2011 mixtape 'Love & Stadiums' is huge on love, breakups and redemption. With his official EP debut, 'Love & Stadiums II,' led by the Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz-featured track 'Say It's So,' Mateo sat down with The BoomBox to discuss his rising career, working with a modern day R&B icon and why today is the best time to be a musician.

Jay-Z, Duracell Partnership Announced

Ilya S. Savenok, FilmMagic

The past two days have been a whirlwind for Jay-Z, but a new partnership ensures he'll never run out of juice.

The proud father of Blue Ivy Carter has announced a joint venture with Duracell Powermat, to be the "face and voice" of the battery company, with which has has signed a multi-year contract as an investment partner.

"I believe in the future of wireless energy and I believe that Duracell Powermat is the company to bring on the revolution," Jay-Z said in a statement. "I'm partnering with Duracell Powermat because they're providing the solutions for the future."

Tech N9ne Thanks Troops, Performs with Broken Ribs

Johnny Gramercy

As Tech N9ne revealed in an interview with TheBoombox, the Kansas City, Mo., MC recently embarked on a U.S.O. tour to perform for American soldiers overseas, performing six shows in eight days in Bahrain and Kuwait.

In a new statement, Tech discussed the trip, relating his overwhelming gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the troops, and his appreciation for the men and women of the armed forces.

Dr. Dre, Oscar de la Renta: PETA Bashes Fur Headphones

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Dr. Dre recently unveiled a fashion-friendly version of his Beats by Dre headphones, which feature an ear muff-like design created by famed designer Oscar de la Renta. While his fans and trendy style enthusiasts everywhere are eager to get their hands on the $695 item, animal rights organization PETA is urging the rapper-producer to stop using the silver fox fur decorating the outside of the earpieces.

PETA representative Michelle Cho wrote an open letter to the 'Detox' creator. In it, she details the cruelty that animals endure as part of the fashion process.

"We wanted to get in touch to urge you to keep fur and exotic-animal skins out of your Beats by Dre designs. Foxes, minks, rabbits, and other animals-including cats and dogs-are bludgeoned, genitally electrocuted, strangled with wire nooses, drowned, and even skinned alive for their pelts. Most animals killed for their fur are slaughtered in China, where there are no penalties for those who abuse animals on fur farms," she wrote.

Tyga 'Rack City' Video: Presidents & Booty Are Shown

Mindy Small, FilmMagic

Tyga serves a set of action-packed new visuals for 'Rack City,' a single that will be featured on his sophomore release, 'Careless World: Rise of the Last King,' due Jan. 24.

The Young Money rhymer, joined by a cast including Krazy Klinko, Chyna and Mr. Rose, steals gold bars, throws money at voluptuous strippers and escapes from a gun-toting army of men in the three-minute clip.

"Close your eyes for a second. Try to imagine the most darkest, murderous, corrupt place on the planet. Times that by 100 and you got where I'm from. It's hard making a living in this town and even harder to stay alive. I managed to do both for 22 years," the tattooed rapper says as the video commences.

50 Cent Tweets Fake Blue Ivy Carter Photos

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We've come a long way from the days when rappers used guns to settle their beefs. Now, the weapon of choice is Photoshop -- at least it is for 50 Cent, who took to Twitter on Monday (Jan. 9) to post some joke photos (see below) of rival Jay-Z and Beyonce's newborn baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter.

"Y'all play too much congratulations to Jay-Z and Beyonce baby," he tweeted, linking to doctored photos of Hova's head pasted on an infant's body. "Blue Ivy Carter is gorgeous."

In a later post, Fiddy seemed to soften his attack on Jay, who he's clashed with over the years.

"I would never make a picture like that its all over my time line yal play to much I'm sure Jay is the happiest he's ever been in his life," he wrote.

Slim Dunkin: Young Vito Denied Bond for MC's Death

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Young Vito, the accused murderer of southern MC Slim Dunkin, was denied bail when he appeared in front of a judge in an Atlanta courtroom on Tuesday (Jan. 10).

The 28-year-old suspect, born Vinson Hardimon, was placed back into custody at the Fulton County Jail. He currently faces charges of murder and gun possession.

Mary J. Blige 'Mr. Wrong' Video: Drake Appears in New Visuals

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Mary J. Blige's 'Mr. Wrong' single opens with guest rapper Drake talking about how he's "always there when it matters." But when the video came out in December, dude was nowhere to be found. What gives?

Thankfully, the Toronto MC has made things right, and in a new version of the clip -- now available online and posted below -- Drizzy shows up to mime his verse, looking characteristically somber in front of a brick wall bathed in blue light.

From Drake's bit on, the visuals play out pretty much like the original. This is good news, since the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul looks bad-ass in her various vintage outfits, and she even throws in some dance steps, playing a figurine in a music box.

Amber Rose: Kim Kardashian's Family 'Manipulates the Media'

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Amber Rose is living up to the title of her first single, 'Fame,' by dishing out some interesting sentiments surrounding the woman that wedged herself into her relationship with ex-boyfriend Kanye West: Kim Kardashian.

In an interview with Hot 97 morning show hosts DJ Cipha Sounds, Peter Rosenberg and Kay Foxx, the blonde-haired beauty, wearing black shades and a vintage hat decorated with horns, discussed past comments she made labeling Kardashian as a "homewrecker."

While Rose does believe the reality TV star was guilty of sexting West photos of herself, the less than friendly title she gave her came at a time when she was fed up. After being accused of tearing apart Kardashian and NFL football player Reggie Bush, Rose claims she was only putting the blame where it really belonged.

David Guetta: Nicki Minaj Has 'Different Talents' -- Exclusive

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If by chance you suddenly get violently ill while listening to a David Guetta production then it may be best to avoid the radio all together. Actually you should also trash your flat screen TV, take a self-imposed hiatus from all dance clubs and sequester yourself from all pop culture obsessed Internet sites. Indeed, the omnipresent French dance music producer has been virtually unavoidable on all media formats over the past three years. Guetta has been both celebrated and blamed for ushering in the Euro-pop sound, bolstered by his chart-topping work with the Black Eyed Peas (2009's 'I Gotta Feeling'), Akon (2009's 'Sexy Bitch'), Kid Cudi (2010's 'Memories') and Usher (2011's 'Without You'). Yet Guetta reminds you that beyond his mammoth synth-heavy international hits and work with rap's biggest stars, he's really just a local house music DJ at heart.

"I've been a DJ all my life producing club beats that have been more underground," Guetta tells The BoomBox of his days in the mid '90s playing at such French clubs as Le Centrale, the Rex, Le Boy and Folies Pigalle. "But I'm also known now for combining that with an urban music sound. Whether it's pop or R&B, to me it's all dance music." For Guetta, who is responsible for dance pop's current music takeover, he is anything but contrite when it comes to fighting for the, at times, maligned music genre. In fact, he's proud of the entire scene.

The BoomBox caught up with Guetta to discuss his re-shaping of America's dance music scene, his much debated collaborations with R&B and hip-hop artists, his artistic crush on Nicki Minaj and why he just may be the most influential producer today.

Rihanna, Chris Brown: Getting Back Together?

Rick Diamond, WireImage

At the tail end of 2011, Rihanna and Chris Brown shocked fans by affirming their love for each other via Twitter. At the very least, it seemed the two were friends again, but according to Life & Style magazine, RiRi may have her heart set on rekindling their romance.

"Not only has she initiated a Twitter conversation with Chris for all to see, but she has gone to see him," a source told the magazine, according to HollywoodLife.com. "She stopped by his studio recently -- twice. She's also calling and texting him a lot. She won't let go."

Essence Festival 2012 Lineup: Mary J. + More to Perform

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The lineup for the 2012 Essence Music Festival has been announced and the array of performers are notable for their power-packed vocals. Set to take place during the heart of summer 2012 -- July 6-8 -- this year's event is touted as "The Power of Our Voice" and will be be held at the Louisiana Superdome.

Performers include Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Ledisi, Luke James, Estelle, SWV, the Stylistics, Fantasia, Goapele, Raheem DeVaughn, Charlie Wilson and Aretha Franklin.

Continue reading Essence Festival 2012 Lineup: Mary J. + More to Perform

Loon: Belgian Prison Stay Will Be for 'Unspecified Time'

Al Pereira, Michael Ochs Archives

For the time being, former Bad Boy rapper Loon won't be sent home from Belgium -- where he was arrested late last year -- to face drug charges in the States. That's the good news. The bad news: He won't be leaving jail in Brussels anytime soon.

As BallerStatus.com reports, the embattled MC has been ordered by a grand jury to remain in prison "for an unspecified time frame." His lawyer is appealing that decision with Belgium's Supreme Court, and U.S. authorities have yet to file extradition documents.

Loon, born Chauncey Lamont Hawkins, fled the country in May 2011, after he was arrested and charged with "knowingly and intentionally" possessing and intending to sell heroin in North Carolina. After seeking asylum in Algeria, he landed in Belgium, where he was arrested in November.

Ol' Dirty Bastard: FBI File on Wu-Tang Clan MC Revealed

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Ol' Dirty Bastard was a man of lyrical talents during his storied music career. He also was a man who found himself in a string of legal troubles. Seven years after his death, the Wu-Tang Clan member's FBI files are being disclosed.

In the 94-page file, which was obtained by a man named Rich Jones, who used a Freedom of Information Act request to get access, a look is given into ODB's troubled life through police reports and detailed accounts of his arrests.

Some of the writeups include shootouts, high bail money and links to murder. On March 12, 1999 -- six months before his sophomore LP, 'N---- Please,' debuted -- ODB, born Russell Tyrone Jones, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of body armor. He was held on $115,000 bail. In November 1999, the 'Got Your Money' rapper was the victim of an in-home robbery, where his jewelry was stolen and he was awakened by a masked man pointing a gun at his face.

Chopper City Shot Over 'Nothing' in Lamborghini

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Former 'Making the Band 2' star Chopper City was shot while driving his Lamborghini in Michigan this past weekend, in what appears to have been a botched robbery attempt.

According to a recent interview with MTV, Chopper was driving through Michigan on his way to a show, when he got lost, his GPS failed and his phone died. Noticing that he was being followed by another car, he pulled his Lamborghini into a gas station, in an attempt to lose his pursuer, but found himself on the receiving end of a hail of bullets instead.

"He acted like he was walkin' past me ... and I seen him reach for a strap," Chopper explained from his hotel room in Chicago. "He started shootin' at me, and he shot inside my Lamborghini, and he hit me on my side. He looked at my jewelry, but I gave him that look like, 'You gonna have to kill me if you want this.'"

Yelawolf 'Let's Roll' Video: Kid Rock & Rapper Ride in Style

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There are several hints of awesomeness in Yelawolf's new music video for 'Let's Roll,' a single off his debut LP, 'Radioactive' that features Kid Rock.

The visuals, released today (Jan. 11), take viewers on a ride from the rapper's native Gadsden, Ala., to the Bronx, N.Y., with Yela behind the wheel of several different suped-up vintage rides. Our favorite? The stretch white limo and monster truck hybrid he floors along a dirt speedway.

'Let's Roll' embraces all things redneck: Rock, rifles, ATVs and hunting fatigues. From there, Yela-"two-punch"-Wolf heads up North to the streets of the Big Apple where hip-hop legend DJ Kool Herc drops in for a cameo.

Theophilus London 'Last Night': 'LVRS Anthem' Is a Good Time

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New York rapper Theophilus London had kicked off his North American tour in Cleveland Wednesday night (Jan. 11) and to celebrate, he's dropped his latest single, 'Last Night (LVRS Anthem).' The synth-heavy, intricately produced, introspective club banger comes with a rambunctious beat and a catchy chorus: "Sippin' that good drink in my cup/ Got that purple, roll it up/ See that party from last night, it got me f---ed up."

That said, the song -- the first single off his upcoming 'Lovers Holiday II: Rose Island' project -- will get you ready for that next one. Listen to him recollect his wild "last night" below.

Beyonce: Health Officials Dismiss Hospital Complaints

Jim Spellman, WireImage

Beyonce and husband Jay-Z came under fire during the birth of their daughter Blue Ivy for the way New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital reportedly shut down access to other areas, which prevented parents from seeing their own newborns. The New York State Department of Health is waving away complaints they received from patients claiming they were mistreated as a result of the increased security measures surrounding Bey's baby's birth.

Billboard.com reports that Jeffrey Gordon, a department spokesman, revealed that the Health Department received two complaints about Lenox Hill Hospital. According to Gordon, both were dismissed by Wednesday night (Jan. 11).

Nicki Minaj, Grammy Awards 2012: Rapper Will Perform

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Nicki Minaj is in the running for Best New Artist at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards and she'll commemorate the occasion by showcasing her rapping talents at the prestigious show on Feb. 12.

The Queens native will likely wear her most classiest wig and don an outrageous outfit while performing hits like 'Super Bass' or her new single, 'Roman in Moscow,' which will appear on her sophomore LP, 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,' due Feb. 14.

Blue Ivy Billboard Record: Baby Is Youngest on Charts

Kevin Mazur, WireImage

We all know that Jay-Z and Beyonce's bouncing baby girl Blue Ivy is destined for greatness, but maybe we thought she'd at least wait until she could wipe the drool off her chin!

After papa Jay released his ode to his newborn daughter in the form of new track 'Glory,' the heiress to the throne has set a new Billboard chart record. As a featured artist on her famous father's new rap -- her first cries can be heard on the song -- Blue Ivy has become the youngest person ever to appear on any of the Billboard charts.

Albums 2012: Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj + More to Look for

There are a lot of things to look forward to in 2012: Dr. Dre's Coachella appearance, the first photos of Jay-Z and Beyonce's baby, Blue Ivy, and the impending doom coinciding with this year's winter solstice. But before the world implodes into a fiery oblivion, several rap and R&B artists will make an attempt at what could be, according to the Mayans, their swan song. OK, that may be dramatically pushing it.

The BoomBox has compiled a list of 10 albums that we anticipate to make a big bang in 2012. While there are many albums we are looking forward to this year -- Dr. Dre's ridiculously long-overdue 'Detox' included -- we are giving love first to the albums with solid album titles and release dates. Consider it a reverse year-end, best-of list and enjoy.

John Shearer, WireImage

Uncle Luke Movie Headed to Sundance Film Festival

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2 Live Crew's infamous hype-man Uncle Luke is about to bring some Miami heat to Utah's Sundance Film Festival. According to NBC, Luther Campbell has been working with South Florida-based filmmakers and Miami's Borscht Corporation to create one wacky autobiography.

"They better get ready for a lot of booty-shakin' up there," Luke told reporters at a Wednesday (Jan. 12) press conference. 'The Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke' is a cartoonish interpretation of Campbell's young adult life in Miami, covering everything from drugs and sex to murder.

"It's funny, it's weird. It's Miami-style, very playful," the film's young director Jillian Mayer says of her colorful set design and cardboard cutout world.

Tamar Braxton: Lady Gaga's Producer Crafting Her Album

Chris McKay, FilmMagic

Being the wife of a super-producer, and sister to a multi-Grammy winner might give most new artists cold feet, but Tamar Braxton likes the pressure. The singer, who is the youngest sister of Toni Braxton and wife of Vincent Herbert -- the man behind hits for Lady Gaga, Mindless Behavior and JoJo, among others -- is prepping the release of her sophomore album, due later this year.

More than a decade after releasing her self-titled debut in 2000, the budding reality star has teamed with Herbert to create the sound. "My husband has influenced me to be myself, not to be afraid to open up and try new things because at first I was very apprehensive," the 34-year-old tells The BoomBox, during a press event at the SLS Hotel in Hollywood, Calif. Wed. (Jan. 11).

Alongside her sisters, husband and mother, Tamar discussed the current season of their successful 'Braxton Family Values' show airing on WEtv. Noticeably absent from the event was Toni, who was experiencing a "flare-up" of lupus, an autoimmune disorder from which she suffers.

Lil Wayne Book: 'Gone Till November' Details Prison Stay

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Lil Wayne is set to recount his time behind bars for all the world in a new book project entitled 'Gone Till November.' Wayne will pen the prison memoir, detailing his experiences during his eight-month term at New York's Rikers Island for weapon and marijuana charges.

The book is named for the letters Wayne sent to his fans while behind bars -- the same letters the content of the memoir will be derived from. The rapper's friends created the website Weezy Thanx You in order to publish letters written by Wayne while at Rikers. The first letter was titled "Gone Till November."

'Gone Till November' will be published by Grand Central Publishing, and a press release from the publisher revealed the book will detail "his thoughts and feelings, strange people he met, his plans, his family, his children, his past, present and future."

Drake Sends Security to Confront Tattoo Artist

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The Drake tattoo that is as recognized as the rapper it was inspired by is still causing a stir, this time as a result of the artist who inked the permanent moniker onto a young woman's forehead.

Tattoo artist Kevin Campbell, an employee of Will Rise tattoo shop in Los Angeles, claims the 25-year-old 'Take Care' creator sent security guards into his place of business to confront him regarding the tat. For those not in the know, Campbell is responsible for tattooing Drake's name onto the forehead of a woman. Drake publicly denounced the act in an interview last month and he also threatened Campbell, calling him a "f---ing a--hole" and promised to "f--- him up."

On Jan. 11, during a Twitter exchange with a user named @Matt_Kaleta, Campbell was questioned about whether the war of words with Drake ever amounted to anything. Campbell responded, revealing that the Toronto-born MC allegedly showed up to the shop he is employed at but failed to actually show his face. "guess you could call it sorted out. When Drake was in LA last, he parked out front the shop and sent in his huge security dude [sic]," Campbell tweeted.