Celebrity News for the SU2K3

[Gina1201]

LOS ANGELES — If Method Man wants his part as Snoop Dogg's best friend in "Soul Plane" to be believable, he might want to start saying kinder things about him to the media.

"Honestly, I think he's one of the worst rap actors in the game right now. There's a bunch of us and he's one of the worst ones," Meth said backstage at Saturday's taping of the MTV Movie Awards. "And Snoops knows that, but Snoop's a hustler. He's gonna keep his face out there."

Method Man did note that he's never worked with Snoop — who's appeared in "Training Day," "The Wash" and "Bones," among other flicks — and said he may change his mind after shooting the "Airplane!" remake. He also complimented the D-O-Double G's appeal.

"He's a personality," Meth said. "He's like ODB. Even though he keeps f---ing up, there's somebody out there who wants to see him."

On Tuesday, however, the Wu-Tang rapper said that what he meant by his comments (which he claimed to not remember making) was that most rappers should not step outside their acting ranges.

"We're not Will Smiths yet," he said. "When I say he's the worst out of all of us, I mean all of us aren't actors. I was playing. When I seen him in 'Half Baked,' he did his thing. That was Snoop. ... I got love for Snoop when Snoop plays Snoop parts. ... Me and Red ain't actors, we suck too. ... I'm not sh--ting on him. That's my n---a right there."

"Soul Plane," which finds Snoop playing a pilot, will begin filming this summer under the direction of Jessy Terrero, best known for his music videos, including 50 Cent's "Wanksta".

Method Man had some concerns about the script ("Too many stereotypes going on in there"), but he took a small part because he liked the story. "It's basically about a guy who gets into an accident on an airplane and he sues and comes into a lot of money, so he decides to start his own," he explained.

After "Soul Plane," Meth has several starring roles lined up, all buddy movies with his partner-in-rhyme, Redman. The first will either be a remake of the Japanese comedy "Jailbreakers," with the duo playing inmates who break out of jail only to find they've already been pardoned, or one tentatively titled "DEA."

"Me and Redman get into some trouble and caught up with the DEA and they use us as pawns to find this big drug dealer," the rapper said of the latter, before pointing out his concern with the movie. "It's going to be PG-13, though. Why?"

Other Method Man projects in the works include his third solo album, Tical 0: The Prequel, due in September, and a documentary on exotic dancing due around the same time on DVD.

— Corey Moss, with reporting by Ryan J. Downey and Shaheem Reid

[CrimsonTide4]

NEW YORK (AP) - Filmmaker Spike Lee has sued Viacom Inc. (VIA) over plans to rename its TNN cable channel Spike TV as part of its campaign to attract male viewers.

In court papers filed Tuesday, Lee asked for an injunction against Viacom's use of the name, saying he had never given his consent for it to be used.

"The media description of this change of name, as well as comments made to me and my wife, confirmed what was obvious - that Spike TV referred to Spike Lee," Lee said in court papers.

The judge directed Viacom to explain why it shouldn't be barred from using the name.

TNN, which bills Spike TV as "the first network for men," said it was "confident that the court will reject any legal claims by Mr. Lee to the popular word and name Spike."

Viacom bought TNN in 2000, and said in April that it would change the channel's name to Spike TV on June 16 in an attempt to increase the number of men in an audience that is already about two-thirds male. It said on Tuesday that it was confident the court would reject Lee's claims to the name Spike.

Viacom also owns CBS, Showtime movie channel, VH1, UPN, book publisher Simon & Schuster and other properties.

According to Lee, TNN's president, Albie Hecht, has said the public associates the name 'Spike' with Lee.

Lee, whose given name is Shelton Jackson Lee, included in court papers affidavits from people including former Sen. Bill Bradley, and actors Ossie Davis and Ed Norton. The affidavits said the signers had thought of Lee when they heard about Spike TV and some said they believed he had become affiliated with the network.

Lee directed Nike sneaker commercials with Michael Jordan. His movies include "Malcolm X,""Jungle Fever" and "Do the Right Thing."

[FeeFee]

Is Spike Lee smoking crack or something? WTH is wrong with him?

[RedefinedDiva]

Well, I understand where he is coming from. WTH did TNN decide to call itself "Spike TV"? Do they really think that the name change will attract viewers? Why "Spike TV"? That sounds silly. Spike may lose the case, but TNN will be the ultimate loser. WTH comes on TNN anyway?

[vanda]

I only watch it for WWE wrestling

[CrimsonTide4]

CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 2003--Whether he is "In Da Club" or asking "21 Questions," hip-hop phenom 50 Cent has made all the right moves. Today, he and Reebok announce another one: A long-term partnership that includes a signature collection of athletic footwear called the "G-Unit Collection by Rbk." The initial launch of the collection takes place this fall with a limited distribution. This will be followed with a major launch in early 2004.

The collection will feature clean, court-inspired designs that reflect 50 Cent's style and flavor. "Reebok's Rbk Collection is the real thing when it comes to connecting with street and hip-hop culture," says 50 Cent. "I want to be part of it and use my name and attitude to help influence the feel and vibe of the gear."

50 Cent and Reebok are currently developing an integrated marketing and advertising campaign to promote the "G-Unit Collection by Rbk." The initial marketing launch may include a special 50 Cent CD single with the purchase of the shoe for a limited time.

50 Cent will be debuting his signature Reebok kicks when he performs in a pair during the upcoming 2003 MTV Movie Awards. He will also promote the collection while on stage performing during this summer's "Rock The Mic" music tour co-sponsored by Reebok.

"Reebok's partnership with 50 Cent is the latest and perhaps the most groundbreaking fusion of sports and music, a formula that has been creating a great deal of heat and energy in the marketplace," says Micky Pant, Reebok's chief marketing officer. "50 Cent has earned his reputation as the hottest MC out right now and Reebok is excited to partner with an artist who has achieved his level of success in the music industry."

"The footwear we create with 50 Cent will meet the high standards and expectations of everyone involved," says Todd Krinsky, Reebok's vice president of Rbk. "We're excited to bring aspirational product to the marketplace that offers a hip-hop feel to complement its namesake."

Born Curtis Jackson, the Jamaica, Queens, New York native has long been recognized as one of the underground's best MCs. His debut album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," launched at No. 1 on the charts this past February and, after 16 weeks on the chart, it is currently ranked No. 5. His two hot singles, "21 Questions" and "In Da Club," are currently ranked No. 1 and No. 9 respectively on the Billboard chart.

50 Cent becomes only the second non-athlete to have a signature athletic footwear collection. Earlier this year, Jay-Z and Reebok formed an unprecedented partnership which includes the design and marketing of the "S. Carter Collection by Rbk," which launched at retail on April 18, 2003.

[CrimsonTide4]

The Sun reports Ashanti has begged Murder Inc. labelmate Ja Rule to end his longrunning beef with 50 Cent. She says, "The feud has been getting very heavy. I pray this is the height of it and that everybody goes back to making music. I badly want it to end."


~~~~~~~~~~~~

Umm yeah so that you can get a collabo with 50 without Ja getting mad and you feeling guilty. Go ASH NAPPY!!

[Ideal08]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
"I want to be part of it and use my name and attitude to help influence the feel and vibe of the gear."

What, exactly, does that mean? I mean, how can YOUR attitude and YOUR name influence the gear when I have it on??? This is beyond me. In other words, wear it because 50's name is on it.

[Skeelicious1]

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/news/052...amberfrey.html

What happened to her wanting her rights to privacy?

[Gina1201]

NEW YORK — Russell Simmons and friends such as Susan Sarandon, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Fat Joe, Tim Robbins, Dead Prez and Dame Dash made their voices heard Wednesday (June 4) at City Hall, where they rallied against New York state's strict drug sentencing laws.

"When I was younger, I would see kids get caught with an ounce [of narcotics] and do 10, 15 years," Dash said. "I never understood that. I don't think they deserve 10, 15 years. There's a lot of other things that need to be addressed at that time to make the person a better individual and make them evolve as a better human being, rather than come out [of jail] bitter."

"The laws aren't fair," said Jay-Z as he made his way to the stage. "I personally know a lot of people that's locked up unjustly and unfairly. [The MCs] have got the streets, so we gotta come out here and show our support, our strong voice."

Diddy said rappers should pay especially close attention to the state's Rockefeller drug laws — enacted in 1973 when Nelson Rockefeller was governor — because of the enormous impact they've had on the hip-hop community.

"This law has affected hip-hop, our families, our friends, our future," Diddy said backstage. "Ninety-six percent of the people incarcerated by this law are minorities. It's one of the most unjust laws in history.

"The money it cost to incarcerate these people and keep them housed in jail can be used for our kids to get educated," he added. "We're using all this money to lock up people who are nonviolent criminals, who basically made a f---ed up mistake. Everybody deserves a second chance. You don't get a second chance with the Rockefeller drug law. You get sentenced and there ain't no turning back."

The effects of the Rockefeller laws also have an impact on the rest of society, actor Tim Robbins said. He surmised that putting nonviolent criminals in jail with violent criminals only makes them worse when they are eventually released.

"You gotta keep putting the pressure on," he said. "This is about removing Draconian drug laws that are targeting [people] in a racial way."

Robbins' mate, Sarandon, wanted to clarify that Simmons and company were not saying it's OK to be caught with narcotics, but rather that fairer sentences are needed.

"Judges should have the autonomy to make decisions," she said. "It's a glitch that's existed for years and needs to be dropped so that we can save whole generations. The problem with trying to change this kind of policy is that the politicians don't want to be perceived as being soft on drugs. We have to give them the facts so they can do something more constructive. But most people know it's not working, it's just the people [the laws] effect are voiceless people. We have to change that."

The rally's leading voice said he was pleased with the strong turnout, but that he did not consider it a victory.

"There's no success until the drug laws are repealed," said Simmons. "The governor has made verbal proposals we think are worth fighting for. When we see it in the form of a bill we'll see it's serious. It's been dialogue for 30 years. We need more than dialogue, we need action. With the people's support, the politicians can get work done."

Simmons, who a few weeks ago gave New York's governor until Wednesday to repeal the laws, said Gov. George Pataki has three more weeks until he and his coalition take more action.

—Shaheem Reid

[Gina1201]

A Chicago judge has turned down R. Kelly's request to go to Los Angeles to shoot a video, making that the first time any of the singer's travel requests have been rejected since he was indicted on 21 counts of child pornography a year ago and ordered to stay in the jurisdiction as part of his bond. Kelly appeared in court Wednesday (June 4) to begin discussions regarding a number of trips he wanted to take this month, but prosecutors said that he had misled the court when he asked permission to travel to New York for a concert, since it turned out he was not scheduled to perform. Permission was denied for the video — Kelly's shot three videos in the last two months, and Judge Vincent Gaughan said that would have to be enough. Permission was granted, however, for Kelly to travel to Los Angeles to perform at the BET Awards on June 24, and to Dallas to perform at a fundraiser on June 28. Kelly is due back in court on July 14. ...

"American Idol" runner-up Justin Guarini's self-titled debut album, due Tuesday, will include a duet with winner Kelly Clarkson called "Timeless." Also on the album is a cover of "Unchained Melody" and tracks produced by Babyface, Soulshock & Karlin (Destiny's Child) and Wade Robson (Britney Spears). ...

After "2 Fast 2 Furious," Tyrese will star in "Extortion," a crime thriller based on a story idea by the singer. "Romeo Must Die" screenwriter John Jarrell will pen the script, about an undercover detective investigating the murder of his foster brother. ...

Wayne Wonder might not want to let go, but his record label apparently doesn't feel the same way. Sources say Atlantic Records will not release a follow-up single to the reggae veteran's surprising hit, "No Letting Go," after a conflict between the label and Wonder on what the next single should be. ...

... TLC's Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas are launching an HIV education initiative this week called Dialogues: Education and Treatment for a Well Planned Future. Dialogues will deliver easy-to-understand HIV information via www.HIV-Dialogues.com and (800) 576-6600. ...

Before heading to Chicago this summer to shoot "Barbershop 2," Eve will join Kevin Bacon and Benjamin Bratt in "The Woodsman." "It's about a child molester who comes back in the world," Eve said at Saturday's taping of the MTV Movie Awards. "And I'm sort of a bitch who kind of blows his thing up at his job. It's a different kind of role for me, like my hair will be really short and black." ...


Okay so your hair is what makes it different??

[Gina1201]

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Around 50,000 hip-hop fans proved their love for the music Tuesday night through the drizzle and then downpour that fell on Giants Stadium and Hot 97 Summer Jam performers 50 Cent, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Nelly, Lil' Kim, the Clipse, Sean Paul and Nas.

As Jay-Z warned two years ago during his last performance at Summer Jam, you do not want to be the next contestant on the Summer Jam screen. The object of Jay's scorn was Mobb Deep's Prodigy, and this year (in 2002 the screen took a rest because headliner Nas was a no-show) 50 Cent made Ja Rule a super-sized object of ridicule. (Click here for photos from Summer Jam X.)

The Southside Jamaica, Queens, rapper started his set with a special public service announcement that played on the three screens hanging above the stage. 50, who sat at a computer during the PSA, could barely be heard over the crowd's screams as he said it had been brought to his attention that some of the fans could not identify a "bitch ass n---a." He then showed a clip from the "Mesmerize" video where Ja tells Irv Gotti that he's giving up the streets for Ashanti. The words "bitch ass n---a" were displayed below Ja and Irv, and people started laughing.

50 then brought out other "exhibits," including the videos for "Rainy Dayz" and "I Cry." He said that he knew that what he was showing on the screen was not hip-hop, Ja knew it was not hip-hop and Irv knew it was not hip-hop.

The MC's G-Unit crew was then showered with cheers and rain, taking the stage while the instrumental of Black Rob's "Whoa!" played. "Where's my little n---a?" 50 asked, beckoning for his young son to join him onstage. "We breed gangstas," he boasted as the boy came on, dressed like his dad in a Yankees cap, jeans and a miniature bulletproof vest covering his tiny frame.

"What the f--- is going on?" the tyke asked, putting on his deepest voice. "Geeeee-Uniiit!"

"Gotta Make It to Heaven" and "Wanksta" kicked off the set, with 50 running around the stage and throwing his Yankees fitted cap to the crowd. He turned his attention back toward his lyrical foe with "Back Down" as he and the crowd rocked from side to side.

After "High All the Time" and the follow-up blow "In Da Club," the chiseled MC stood on a speaker and whipped the crowd into a tribal frenzy for "What Up Gangsta," spitting: "What up, blood?/ What up, cus?/ What up, blood?"

"I'm just a P.I.M.P.," 50 later rapped, donning a white hat with a feather and matching overcoat. His son came on dressed like his dad, and reformed real-life pimp Bishop Don "Magic" Juan made his second appearance of the night, adding more flavor to the atmosphere.

Tyson Beckford came out later to stand in the background for "21 Questions," but the most high-powered collaboration for 50 would be with his boss. Enter Eminem.

"If ya patiently waiting to make it through all the hating/ Debating whether or not you can even weather the storm," Em rapped as he walked onstage, providing an instant adrenaline rush for "Patiently Waiting." "Unless you lie on the table they operating to save you/ It's like an angel came to you sent from the heavens above/ They think they crazy but they ain't crazy, let's face it."

50 left Eminem to perform his own set. After "Business," Em brought out D12 to again address Ja on "Do Re Mi." When the song was finished, Slim Shady called Rule a "pu---" and "punk" among other things and warned that the Hollis, Queens, MC had better never talk about his daughter again.

The height of Em's disdain would come later in the show when he had Obie Trice bring out his 2002 Source Award for Lyricist of the Year. Slim talked about his battle with the magazine and its co-owner, Ray Benzino. "Take your mutha----in' award back," he yelled, slamming it to the ground. Almost as soon as the trophy smashed, the guitar riff from "Lose Yourself" came on, commencing another of the night's feverish moments. The next record, "8 Mile," was equally energetic.

The grand finale of Summer Jam 2003 brought Em and 50 back together with additional support from Busta Rhymes on the "Hail Mary" freestyle dis of Murder Inc.

"I got a head with no screws in it/ Mutha----as think that they can stop 50, they losing it," 50 rhymed, with Em bopping and mouthing the words with even more vehemence. The usually amiable Busta Rhymes closed the song out with his verse, which included the line "You let the streets down, n---a/ Apologize to your fans." Busta does tear Ja up on this song!

As the record closed out and the rain started to fall more heavily, Busta said his career was not built on beefing but that he felt obligated to come back at Ja after Rule dissed him on a record. 50 laughed and told everyone that he loved the beef and that he was never going to stop.

Earlier, Busta's set showed why he's hailed by many as hip-hop's greatest performer when he made the crowd lose control with his party classics. The audience followed instructions on "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See." The energy level and screams were consistent throughout Busta' set, which also saw him bring out Lumidee for the remix of her hit "Never Leave You" and Sean Paul for the remix of "Make It Clap."

The adoration for Busta continued when he brought out another guest, Bone Crusher, for "Never Scared." It seemed like everyone in the stadium was screaming "I ain't never scared" at the top of their lungs.

Oddly enough, Bone going topless wasn't the biggest spectacle Busta brought with him. That honor goes to Don "Magic" Juan, who came out in a Gucci sombrero and matching coat for "Pass the Courvoisier." P. Diddy, replete with his umbrella-holding manservant, also made a cameo, trading lines with his friend and sporting sunglasses despite it being nighttime and raining.

Bussa Bus' chorus line of guests didn't stop there; he continued to steal the show by bringing out Mariah Carey and the Flipmode Squad for "I Know What You Want."

Surprisingly, a couple of hip-hop's biggest names were met with unflattering boo birds. Nas started off his set on a throne, rhyming "The Cross." After a medley of tunes like "Get Down," he gave the legendary KRS-One time to shine, performing "The Bridge Is Over" and "South Bronx."

While the blast master was able to get some love with his battle records, Nas couldn't get the overwhelming support he probably would've gotten at last year's Summer Jam if he had performed. The king of Queensbridge heard an undercurrent of boos during his dis of Jay-Z on "Ether," but most of the crowd fought off the jeers with their cheers.

Nelly wasn't as lucky during one of his biggest songs, "Dilemma." Although the gold-toothed platinum rapper did have the crowd on his side for most of his set, many in the audience became audibly weary.

No one, at least among the males in the audience, was becoming tired of Lil' Kim. Besides bringing out Mobb Deep for the "Quiet Storm" remix, Kim gave an eyeful as she struggled with her bikini top. "My t---y's poppin' out," she giggled as the tiny top refused to keep her covered. Chick, you got money BUY A BIGGER BRA!!!

—Shaheem Reid

[Ideal08]

Originally posted by Gina1201
the boy came on, dressed like his dad in a Yankees cap, jeans and a miniature bulletproof vest covering his tiny frame.

Who knew they made miniature bulletproof vests?

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by Gina1201
Before heading to Chicago this summer to shoot "Barbershop 2," Eve will join Kevin Bacon and Benjamin Bratt in "The Woodsman." "It's about a child molester who comes back in the world," Eve said at Saturday's taping of the MTV Movie Awards. "And I'm sort of a bitch who kind of blows his thing up at his job. It's a different kind of role for me, like my hair will be really short and black." ...


Okay so your hair is what makes it different??

Yeah, because umm lol, it is the REAL THING!!

[Bamboozled]

Originally posted by Gina1201
Tyson Beckford came out later to stand in the background for "21 Questions," but the most high-powered collaboration for 50 would be with his boss.

Huh? Tyson Beckford comes out to stand in the background? Am I the only one who's wondering why? Is there some connection between Tyson and 50 that I'm not aware of?