It's Official: Paula Is Leaving Idol

In a statement, Fox and the show's producers said Abdul was "an important part of the 'American Idol' family over the last eight seasons, and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show." - [But who will parrot Randy's opinions now?]

Method Man Accused of Shooting Fan With Pellet Gun

NME reports: Wu Tang Clan member Method Man has been sued by a woman in Texas who claims he shot her with a pellet gun.

Mary Anderson of Fort Bend County says that the rapper shot her with the gun from the window of his tour bus outside the House Of Blues in Houston.

She says she was hit six times in the chest and torso as she tried to get his autograph, and needed medical attention as a result.
- more on this story

MTV Announce Predictable VMA Nominations

MTV reports: MTV today announced the nominees for the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards." The ladies lead the pack as Beyonce and Lady Gaga earn nine nominations each for "Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)" "Poker Face" and "Paparazzi" respectively.

Britney Spears follows with an impressive seven combined nominations for "Womanizer" and "Circus." Jay-Z, Green Day, Eminem, Kanye West and Coldplay will each find themselves vying for several moonmen on the big night.

In addition rapper Drake and rockers Kings of Leon are a few of the artists who have received their first VMA nomination. Included in the impressive line-up of first-time nominees is rapper Asher Roth who finds himself up against one of today's most notorious artists Eminem, in the "Best Hip-Hop" category. - more on this story

Beyonce and Jay-Z Death Threat Charges

Jam! reports: A Detroit man has been charged with sending letters threatening to kill celebrities, including Beyonce and Jay-Z and former football star Jerome Bettis.

A criminal complaint filed Tuesday alleges Leon Desmond Barrett sent more than a dozen letters between December 2006 and April of this year to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the University of Notre Dame.

In some letters, the government says Barrett wrote he was getting ready to kill the former Steelers and Rams running back, as well as music performers Beyonce and Jay-Z.
- more on this story

Joe Jackson Won't Help Raise Michael's Children

AP reports: Joe Jackson doesn't plan to help raise Michael Jackson's three children. The Jackson family patriarch lives in Las Vegas and wrote in a statement filed in a Los Angeles court on Monday that he only occasionally visits the family home in the San Fernando Valley, north of downtown Los Angeles.

"I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth," Jackson wrote in the declaration dated July 13.

"I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involved in raising the children."
- more on this story

DJ Shadow Relaunched

ID reports: Internationally acclaimed DJ, producer and recording artist DJ Shadow announced the re-launch of his website today on www.djshadow.com. In addition to offering previously unreleased content, exclusive deluxe albums and mixes and the ability to purchase digital and physical product in one shopping cart system, the site introduces an empowering new platform that connects Shadow directly with his fans.

Shadow's store will now sell the licensed digital content to his global fanbase on an independent level on a self-run platform, marking the first of its kind for a major label artist. The newly revamped site is the end-all-be-all destination for all things DJ Shadow and is at the very cutting edge of website content and technology.

Unlike most artist sites that transfer the buyer to another storefront, Shadow is accessing his own music direct from his label, marking a unique new paradigm in artist-run stores. For the first time, Shadow's works can now be sold directly from the artist to the fan. This new platform is designed to give DJ Shadow the maximum amount of control and involvement in his site and a more intimate and direct experience for his fans. - more on this story

Pitbull Rebelution

RCA reports: Chart-topping entertainer Pitbull makes his [overused cliche removed] return to the mic with the debut of his new solo LP, Rebelution. After dominating the charts for five solid months with his single "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," which peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart and has sold 1.6 million digital singles, the infectious song remains in the top 10 on the Top 40 Charts. Joining it is Pitbull's latest, "Hotel Room Service," which currently holds the #6 position on the Rhythmic charts. Rebelution, which will be released through Pitbull's Mr. 305 imprint via Polo Grounds Music/J/RCA Music Group, will hit shelves and online on August 31st.

Boasting production from beatmakers such as Play N Skillz, Clinton Sparks and Grammy Award winning Jim Jonsin and featuring guests T-Pain, Akon, Lil Jon, Trick Daddy and Slim of 112, Pitbull will stake his claim as one of the best emcees in the game, showcasing his undeniable lyrical skills throughout the album's entirety. While the official first single, "Hotel Room Service," makes its way up the charts, the accompanying music video, directed by David Rousseau, made its debut on August 3rd on MTV Hits.

As he readies for the long awaited release of Rebelution, Pitbull is also celebrating his three Teen Choice Award nominations for Best Rap Artist, Best Rap/Hip Hop Track and Best Summer Song for "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)." These nominations come on the heels of his winning the Billboard Latin Music Award for "Latin Digital Download Artist of the Year" for his hit single "Krazy." - more on this story

Rap & Roll

PopCore reports: On Thursday August 20th at 8:30pm, join Kristina Genova Designs, Clearview Cinemas, Music School INC and PopCore Entertainment as they present Rap & Roll; featuring Rap Artist Vision, Rock Artist The Energy and Hip Hop Act Archangel.

"This is something that is new and unique for Alternative Content in Movie Theaters on Long Island," remarked Robert Nilsen of Kristina Genova Designs.

"This event will attract not only a broad audience that likes music and the artists, but a niche audience that follows the Movie Exhibition Industry," he continued. - more on this story

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