Rihanna Goes Nude

"I got a big shoot tomorrow for a surprise fragrance for my ladies called... NUDE! Bye bye dreadz, for NOW!" more on this story

Justin Bieber Battery Case Being Sent To Prosecutors

(TMZ) Justin Bieber's brawl with a photog over the weekend isn't going to just disappear ... TMZ has learned the case WILL be referred to the L.A. County D.A. for possible criminal prosecution.

We're told cops have already decided to refer the case to prosecutors, even though the investigation is far from complete. They have requested to interview the Biebs, but he's in Norway now. It's pretty typical for police to refer high-profile cases to prosecutors.

TMZ broke the story ... Bieber's a suspect for allegedly committing criminal battery against a photog in Calabasas Sunday afternoon. The photog called 911 after the scuffle, but by the time cops arrived, the singer had split.

The pap was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance. He then filed a police report naming Bieber as the culprit.

If Bieber is charged and convicted, he'd face 6 months in jail. more on this story

American Idol's Phillip Phillips Surgery Delayed

(TMZ) American Idol champ Phillip Phillips did NOT have kidney surgery yesterday as scheduled, because he's burning up with a fever ... TMZ has learned.

As we first reported, Phillip has a serious congenital kidney condition that produces kidney stones so large they cannot pass. The condition has virtually debilitated his right kidney -- requiring 8 prior surgeries.

Phillip has had a flare-up through almost the entire "American Idol" competition, requiring a stent that was surgically inserted two months ago -- causing the singer extreme and continuous pain.

We're told Phillip now has a bad sinus infection that has triggered a high fever. As a result surgeons will not operate.

We're told the surgery has been rescheduled for early next week. more on this story

Kat Von D Sued Over Cat Killing Fire

(TMZ) Kat Von D foolishly set her own house ablaze in 2010, killing her cat in the process -- this according to a new lawsuit -- and now, she's being sued for nearly a MILLION bucks in damages.

State Farm Insurance filed the lawsuit against Kat today in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming the 2010 fire that ripped through the reality star's Hollywood Hills home was her own fault ... and she should foot the bill.

According to the lawsuit, Kat foolishly placed several lit candles in the house -- and the candles then set the house on fire (a fire that killed Kat's feline friend named Valentine).

It was no small blaze either -- State Farm claims the fire caused $909,199 in damages.

State Farm dutifully covered the bill -- but now the insurance company is suing, demanding Kat pay it back for her own carelessness. more on this story

Ray J Sued Over Cloths Left In Whitney Houston's Death Room

(TMZ) When Whitney Houston died, a little bit of Ray J went with her -- well, Ray J's clothing anyway ... and now he's being sued for the expensive items that mysteriously disappeared from room 434 at the Beverly Hilton.

In recently filed legal docs, L.A. Stylist Marc Littlejohn claims he was hired to do Ray J's wardrobe styling on February 10 for a Grammy related event ... problem is, he alleges all the duds he let the singer borrow were left in Whitney Houston's room.

Houston died the next day in that room and, according to the lawsuit ... the pricey clothes haven't been seen since.

Now Littlejohn is suing Ray J for $2,880 -- the cost of the missing clothes -- insisting he's reached out to both the singer and his mother/manager repeatedly to get some cash or the threads. more on this story

Justin Bieber Debuts Die In Your Arms

(popmusiclife) Justin Bieber has released a new track from his forthcoming album, "Believe." "Die In Your Arms" is the eighth track on the record, which is due June 19th.

According to the track list released last week, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Big Sean and Ludacris are all featured on the new album.

Bieber will be taking "Die In Your Arms" and his other hits on the road this fall when his 46-date North American tour kicks off on September 29 in Glendale, AZ. Listen to the new track here.

Michael Jackson 'I Can't Sleep' Letter Pulled From Auction

(TMZ) A letter Michael Jackson wrote to Lisa Marie Presley -- complaining about the problem that ultimately killed the singer -- has been yanked from the auction block after Lisa Marie [objected].

Lisa Marie has not said why she wanted the letter pulled, but it's pretty clear -- Michael struggled with sleep deprivation for years until he found a quick fix in the form of Propofol.

The letter -- written sometime between 1993 and 1996, reads as follows: "Smell here [arrow with box] Lisa I truly need this rest I haven't slept litterally [sic] in 4 days now. I need to be away from phones and Business people. I must take care of my health first Im' [sic] crazy for you Love Turd."

As TMZ first reported, Jackson was doctor shopping for Propofol before he hooked up with Conrad Murray.

So Julien's Auction in Beverly Hills -- the same company selling off Elvis' crypt -- has capitulated to Elvis' daughter. Owner Darren Julien tells TMZ, "I'm assuming it's a personal nature, and we wanted to honor the request and continue our good relationship with Ms. Presley." more on this story

Adam Lambert Releases Never Close Our Eyes Video

(popmusiclife) Adam Lambert has released the video for his latest single, "Never Close Our Eyes." The track if from Lambert's newly-released effort, "Trespassing."

The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 77,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Adam bumped fellow American Idol alum Carrie Underwood out of top spot; Lambert is the seventh I finalist to reach No. 1, following Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Underwood, Chris Daughtry (of Daughtry) and Scotty McCreery. watch the video here.

New Duran Duran Live DVD, Blu-ray and CD Coming

Eagle Rock have set a July 10th release date for Duran Duran's 'A Diamond In The Mind' on DVD, Blu-ray and CD.

A Diamond In The Mind was filmed and recorded at Manchester's MEN Arena in December of last year, where the band garnered some of the finest reviews of their career.

Shot in high definition by long-time Duran collaborator, director Gavin Elder, the recording of the show will be simultaneously released on multiple formats: standard DVD, Blu-ray, CD, and the triple-pack Deluxe Edition, containing all three formats (Blu-ray, DVD & CD – MSRP $TBA) in an 8 panel digipack with bonus features, and an expanded 20 page booklet, all inside a foil blocked slip-case. The DVD, Blu-Ray and Deluxe Edition releases also feature interviews with the band, alongside behind-the-scenes footage of the 2011 tour, and bonus tracks "Come Undone" and "Is There Something I Should Know." more on this story

Kris Allen and Taylor Hicks Disagree If American Idol Should Go On

(TMZ) "American Idol" champ Kris Allen is DEAD WRONG ... the show has life in it yet ... at least according to Season 5 champ Taylor Hicks -- and his own shining success is proof.

As we reported, Kris Allen thinks it's about time "Idol" producers pulled the plug on the operation -- after this season's finale put up the lowest ratings in the show's history.

But Taylor tells TMZ, "American Idol is a juggernaut ... Because of my American Idol win, I am able to do the thing that I love most, which is to be an entertainer."

Taylor adds, "The fact that I am headlining Vegas 6 years after auditioning there and then ultimately winning AI is testament to the incredible platform the show continues to provide for me."

Taylor won "Idol" in 2006 and was signed to Arista Records. Arista dropped Taylor in 2008. more on this story

Mary J. Blige Charity Being Sued

(TMZ) Mary J. Blige has learned a valuable lesson about running a charity since her foundation was slapped with a $250,000 lawsuit -- telling TMZ, she let [the wrong people] handle her finances ... and now she's paying the price.

TMZ broke the story ... Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now is being sued by TD Bank over a $250k loan it took out back in June 2011.

TD Bank claims it loaned FFAWN the money in June 2011 -- and FFAWN agreed to repay it by December 2011 ... but so far, TD Bank has only received $368.33.

Now, Mary tells us, "As Founder and CEO of FFAWN, I am ultimately responsible for anything that goes wrong. The problem is that I didn't have the right people in the right places doing the right things. This should have never been allowed to happen, but it did and now we are fixing it."

The singer says she's working tirelessly with a new team of experts to "get the Foundation back on track, rectify outstanding issues, and make good on all of FFAWN's obligations." more on this story

Prince, Will Smith, R. Kelly and Eddie Murphy's Ex-Wives Reality Show

(TMZ) Dina Lohan will share a state with the ex-wives of Prince, Will Smith, R. Kelly and Eddie Murphy on a new reality show. To quote "Sesame Street," "One of these things is not like the other."

The VH1 show is called "Hollywood Exes." We found out Dina is shooting several episodes, but is not a full-blown member of the cast. Sources connected with the show tell us ... producers brought Dina in because she's friends with members of the cast and she can "spice things up."

But here's the problem. In the spice department, Dina's cupboard is bare, because Lindsay Lohan will NOT be appearing on the show. more on this story

Malt Shop Memories Cruise To Tribute Dick Clark's American Bandstand

The 2012 Malt Shop Memories Cruise will have a special tribute to Dick Clark's iconic television show American Bandstand.

It will feature a special, intimate discussion between artists who appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and led by the cruise host, popular oldies DJ Jerry "The Geator with the Heater" Blavat. Blavat, who was an American Bandstand dancer in Philadelphia as a teenager, will reminisce with Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Darlene Love and many more artists and friendsabout the time spent together on the historic show.

The panel will share personal memories of Dick Clark, view original footage together, and discuss the magnitude of his impact on music and popular culture. more on this story

Urgent Care Called 911 For Bond Girl

(TMZ) You know you're in trouble when the urgent care facility you go to for help has to call 911 ... which is exactly what happened with "Diamonds Are Forever" star Lana Wood this week ... TMZ has learned.

As TMZ previously reported, Wood -- who played Plenty O'Toole in the classic James Bond flick -- suffered a terrible allergic reaction at her Fillmore, CA home and went to the local urgent care.

When the urgent care couldn't fix the problem, they dialed 911 and told the dispatcher one of their patients was having trouble breathing.

It all worked out in the end ... Wood is now feeling much better. Doctors believe the allergic reaction was triggered by an ingredient in her Frosted Mini-Wheats. more on this story

Johnny Tapia's Death Being Investigated

(TMZ) Authorities were scheduled to perform an autopsy on Johnny Tapia yesterday -- two days after the former boxing champ was mysteriously found dead in his home ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us the New Mexico Medical Examiner's office scheduled the autopsy ... which is set to include toxicology testing to determine an exact cause of death.

As we previously reported, the five time champ's body was found by a family member on Sunday evening. Police have said there was nothing suspicious about the death.

Tapia was 45-years-old. more on this story

Kim Kardashian Robbed By Airline Employees?

(TMZ) Kim Kardashian says the British Airways employees who ransacked her luggage have stolen something that money cannot replace -- sunglasses that have a profound meaning.

When Kim arrived home from France Friday night, she noticed her luggage was significantly lighter than when she left. A search inside the suitcase quickly revealed the thieves made off with a pair of vintage sunglasses her dad, Robert Kardashian, gave her just before he died -- sunglasses she only wore on very special occasions.

And there's even more thievery. Kim is telling friends the baggage bandits made off with several extremely expensive purses and Tumi luggage.

Kim tweeted after the incident, writing, ""Very disappointed in British Airways for opening my luggage & taking some special items of mine! Some things are sentimental & not replaceable."

We're told Kim has already filed a report with the airline, demanding they produce surveillance catching the culprits in the act.

If the airline doesn't fork over the footage, we're told Kim's going to the cops. more on this story

Mug Shot of UFC Ring Girl Arianny Celeste Goes Online

(TMZ) TMZ has obtained the mug shot of UFC ring girl Arianny Celeste -- snapped moments after the model's domestic violence arrest this weekend ... and it was obviously an extremely emotional experience.

TMZ broke the story ... Arianny was arrested early Saturday morning in Nevada on suspicion of domestic violence. The circumstances surrounding the arrest are still unclear.

Arianny spent about 12 hours in custody before she was released. Dana White released a statement to TMZ after Arianny's arrest, telling us, "Arianny is our baby. She has been with us for over five years. She is a good girl and an amazing ambassador for UFC. I don't know all the details of what happened but we have her back and support her 100%." See the mug shot here.

The Very Best of Jazz Coming in June

The first installment of Concord Music Group's The Very Best of series will include the works of Jazz greats Miles Davis Quintet, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, and Chet Baker. conqueroo sent over these details:

Concord Music Group launches a new series of jazz compilations for the summer of 2012 that showcases the very best tracks culled from the recordings of some of the most influential artists in the history of the genre. The first five titles in the "The Very Best Of" series — which highlight the work of the Miles Davis Quintet, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery Sonny Rollins, and Chet Baker — are set for release on June 12, 2012. Each collection is mastered by Joe Tarantino (who has brilliantly remastered all of Concord's highly acclaimed legacy reissues) and supplemented with liner notes by well-known music journalists, historians, and scholars.

"For anyone who is developing an interest in jazz, this is a great place to start," says Nick Phillips, Vice President of Jazz and Catalog A&R at Concord Music Group and director of the series. "These are primers for understanding the most prominent and influential figures in jazz, and putting their work in creative and historical context. We hope these CDs will open doors to the discovery of the countless amazing jazz albums available in the Concord Music Group catalog." more on this story

Singled Out: Simon Richards' Bee Bopping to My Life

Today Simon Richards tells us about his song "Bee Bopping to My Life" which is the first single off his forthcoming debut album, Kaleidoscope Worlds. Here is the story:

"Bee Bopping to My Life" is a fun, upbeat summer song but has an underlying message in essence: Live your life to your own rhythm and to your own beat. The song reflects what happens to many of us walking through life and coming across so many perplexing situations that we never really seem to fully understand.

The song in its inception had a slow jazz tempo. When I sat dawn at the piano and started composing the song it already had a reggae flavor because of the rhythmic phrasing. When bringing it into rehearsal one day and speaking with my musical director, Alejandro Devries, we decided that if we increased the tempo of the song it would become a more upbeat reggae song. We introduced the string guitars and a brass section, while leaving the piano arrangements to one side and it allowed the song to come full circle.

I think "Bee Bopping To My Life" fits perfectly into my album, Kaleidoscope Worlds, because it allows the audience to see the full scope of the versatility within my composition and vocal range. It allows me to flow from one style to another without losing the essence of the album

"Bee Bopping to My Life "is now available for purchase on iTunes and my debut album Kaleidoscope Worlds is set for release in September 2012. more on this story