Hot Liq

Hot-Liq always tries to keep you up-to-date with the news, entertainment gossip and sports!

Dotmusic - Friday, May 25

Jay Z is at the centre of a $15 million lawsuit, amid allegations that he stole the concept for the film "State Property". The rap heavyweight is named alongside Damon Dash as defendants in the legal dispute, which was filed in Manhattan Federal Court earlier this month. Antonne Jones claims to have written a novel entitled "The Family: A Philadelphia Mob Story", which he says Roc-A-Fella used as the basis for the box office hit. His book apparently follows the tales of "four men seeking 'ghetto glory' - money, power and fame", reports allhiphop. In the lawsuit, Jones says he held discussions with Jay and Dash in 1998 but rejected their offer of $50,000, after requesting $500,000, and never heard from them again. "State Property", which starred Beanie Sigel, was released in 2002 and set in Philadelphia. Lions Gate, the film's distributor, are also named as a defendant.

 Listen to Jay-Z's Big  Pimpin'

Reuters – Thursday, May 24

Seventeen-year-old diva Jordin Sparks won the 2007 "American Idol" television singing contest on Wednesday, beating Blake Lewis to become the youngest ever winner. Sparks beat 25-year-old Lewis by a telephone vote in which a record 74 million votes were cast. Host Ryan Seacrest announced the result with Sparks, dressed in a long, flowing gold gown, having difficulty catching her breath. "Thank you so much for everything -- Mom and Dad, I love you!" said the emotional teenager. Sparks, who is from Glendale, Arizona, and the daughter of former National Football League player Phillippi Sparks, auditioned for "American Idol" as soon as she became eligible at the age of 16. "She sings so good it's hard to believe that she's 17," music legend Smokey Robinson told reporters after the show. Throughout the season, Lewis, a Bothell, Washington native, put an original twist on classic songs by beat-boxing. Following Tuesday's final performances, however, all eyes were on Sparks. At the end of that show, judge Randy Jackson told Sparks that she had "wiped the floor" with Lewis and both he and Cowell on Wednesday's show predicted she would win.

    Jordin performing her winning song This Is My Now

WENN world entertainment news - Wednesday, May 23

Rapper Nelly is planning to follow in the footsteps of fellow hip-hop star Xzibit by hosting MTV car makeover show Pimp My Ride. The Hot In Herre hitmaker is in talks to host the South African version of the popular show, which has been running in his native U.S. since 2004. South African distributor Mojalife, who are licensing Nelly's drink Pimp Juice in the country, have signed a deal with MTV Networks to shoot 52 episodes of the popular vehicle programme. Besides Pimp My Ride, Nelly has also been mentioned as a possible host for an American Idol-style talent show in South Africa.

Concrete Loop - Wednesday, May 23 

Concrete Loop - Tuesday, May 22

R&B stars Tyrese, Tank, & Ginuwine are teaming up to make a new group by the name of TGT. Fans will get a first listen of “TGT” on the remix for Tanks current single, “Please Don’t Go,” already making its way up the national charts. This groundbreaking remix is expected to storm the airwaves in two weeks and is poised to be a signature summer ballad for the debut of “TGT.” The group plans to launch their first international tour and music revolution in the fall with “The Shirts Off Tour” first making their way across the country, with stops in NY, LA, DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami and other U.S. and international markets. “The Shirts Off Tour” will feature sets of the greatest solo hits of all 3 singers, in addition to exclusive “TGT” songs.

People - Tuesday, May 22

Ciara says that doesn't necessarily mean that dating is easy. "It's definitely tough at times," the "Like a Boy" singer says. "I'm one of those girls that when I date, I date to marry, so I like to take my time and really get to know a person. I do meet people and run across people, but it's all about building a friendship." Ciara is set to accomplish a goal of her own when she directs her first music video: She's participating in Glamour magazine's Reel Music Project, which supports emerging female recording artists. Fans can log on to Glamalert.com and listen to music by singers Tiffany Evans, Paula Campbell and Samantha Jade and then vote on their favorite. Ciara will direct the debut video of the singer with the most votes.

WENN world entertainment news - Tuesday, May 22

U.S. TV host Oprah Winfrey is "shocked" and "disappointed" her father is writing a tell-all book about her. The talk show queen was stunned when the New York Daily News recently reported that 74-year-old Vernon was planning to write a book on his daughter - and she refused to believe it at first. She says, "One of my assistants said, 'The Daily News is calling. They say they heard your father is writing a book about you.' I said, 'That's impossible. I can assure them it's not true.' "But then my sister said, 'I think you should call your father.' I called him and it turned out he is writing a book. The worst part of it was him saying, 'I meant to tell you I've been working on it.' Oprah admits she hasn't seen her father since their trip to Africa a few months ago.

AFP - Tuesday, May 22

Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington's son John David Washington signed for NFL Europe tailenders Dusseldorf on Monday from rivals Hamburg. The 23-year-old running back failed to play a game for Hamburg this campaign but will be hopeful of getting the nod at Dusseldorf, who are 2-4 for the season in the six team championship, which comprises five franchises alone from Germany. Washington had been under contract with NFL giants St Louis Rams in 2006 but he was dropped from the roster.

WENN world entertainment news - Monday, May 21

Oscar winner Jamie Foxx is branching out as a TV producer - the Ray star is behind a new sporty sitcom. Foxx has reportedly teamed up with former basketball star Kenny Smith to create a new TV show about a young sports star forced to balance fame and fortune with home life. Smith tells TheSportsInterview.com, "We have been doing an interesting show about an NBA player that has to live at home. That's the basis of it - a guy living at home with his family."

WENN world entertainment news - Sunday, May 20

Wu-Tang Clan rapper Method Man was arrested in New York City on Thursday night for driving under the influence of marijuana. The 36-year-old hip-hop star, real name Clifford Smith, was stopped at the Battery Tunnel toll booths in Brooklyn at 10pm. Smith was attempting to pay the tunnel toll when Officer Donald Johnston spotted his vehicle's inspection sticker had expired and upon investigation, allegedly found the rapper smoking a cannabis joint. Police allegedly discovered 28 grams (0.035 ounces) of the illegal weed in Smith's Lincoln Navigator vehicle, the New York Daily News reports. The Grammy winner was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Friday and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and driving an uninspected motor vehicle.

WENN world entertainment news - Sunday, May 20

Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara has become the new face of Jay-Z's Rocawear line for women. The new campaign, titled I Will Not Lose, will feature testimonials by individuals who have overcome various hardships - including a speech by Amy Steele, editor of the Virginia Tech's college newspaper. The 21-year-old tells Us Weekly Magazine. "I love Rocawear. The clothes are so cute. The stuff is great. I am so happy to be able to do the campaign." The advertising campaign will be launched later this year.

By WENN world entertainment news - Thursday, May 17

Michael Jackson has been warned not to stand in the way of a planned charity auction of his belongings, because it could cause the singer more embarrassment than it's worth. The Thriller star and his family have threatened legal action against bosses at Universal Express, who are planning to hold the Jackson Family Memorabilia Auction later this month in Las Vegas. Among the items going under the hammer are a number of costumes from him and his siblings' Jackson 5 days. The Jacksons are contesting ownership of a number of lots in the auction, which company chairman Richard Altomare claims to have purchased from the pop superstar's former business partner Henry Vacaro, who was awarded the memorabilia as part of a bankruptcy case against Michael. Altomare tells PageSix, "There are a couple of paintings Jackson made of children, of boys - naked. And there are some of his whitening creams, some sex aids... some of the old records in his sealed (sexual molestation) court case. The Jackson family are due in court for a closed hearing in Las Vegas tomorrow (18May07), where Altomare will argue he is the rightful owner of the collection, which is estimated to sell for more than GBP50 million.

ITN - Thursday, May 17

Beyoncé has grabbed a leading six nominations at the 2007 BET Awards. Her nods are for top female R&B artist, video of the year for Irreplaceable and Beautiful Liar, best collaborations with Jay-Z on Deja Vu and Upgrade U and the BET Choice award. Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson, R&B singer Ciara, hip-hop's Akon and Gnarls Barkley all follow with three nominations each. The Black Entertainment Television Awards in music, television, film and sports will be presented June 26. Diana Ross will be honoured with BET's Lifetime Achievement Award and Don Cheadle will be given the Humanitarian Award for his efforts in Darfur.

Dotmusic – Thursday, May 17

R Kelly believes he is the most important black man of his generation. In a new interview, the US R&B star places himself alongside some of the most important icons in American history. Kelly, who is still awaiting trial after allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl in 2002, told Hip Hop Soul magazine: "My greatest competition is, well, me." "I'm the Ali of today. I'm the Marvin Gaye of today. I'm the Bob Marley of today. I'm the Martin Luther King, or all the other greats that have come before us.” R Kelly releases his new album, "The Double Up", on May 28.

Associated Press Writer – Wednesday, May 16

Yolanda King, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s eldest child who pursued her father's dream of racial harmony through drama and motivational speaking, has died. She was 51. King died late Tuesday in Santa Monica, Calif., said Steve Klein, a spokesman for the King Center. The family did not know the cause of death, but relatives think it might have been a heart problem, he said. "She was an actress, author, producer, advocate for peace and nonviolence, who was known and loved for her motivational and inspirational contributions to society," the King family said in a statement. She ran a production company and appeared in numerous films, including "Ghosts of Mississippi," and as Rosa Parks in the 1978 miniseries "King."

AFP - Tuesday, May 15

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will be the subject of a no-holds-barred documentary chronicling his wild life and times, it was reported on Tuesday. Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion when he won the title aged 20 years and four months in 1986, has co-operated by submitting to more than 30 hours of interviews for the project, Daily Variety reported. The film, titled "Tyson", will be directed by James Toback, who has known the fighter since 1985. Toback said the film, due out later this year, would give an honest account of Tyson's life and would not seek to gloss over incidents such as his rape conviction or the ear-biting of rival Evander Holyfield in 1997. "The point is not to polish his image or make a cinematic apology, but rather to get a firsthand look at a very complex and epic story," Toback said. Tyson was quoted by the magazine as saying that he was "humbled" by the opportunity to be involved in the film.

By WENN world entertainment news - Tuesday, May 15

Rapper The Game was arrested in Los Angeles last week after allegedly threatening a group of basketball players with a gun. The Dreams star - real name Jayceon Taylor - was detained on Friday in relation to an incident which occurred in February. He was later released on GBP25,000 bail, according to the county sheriff's department. But while authorities have refused to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the rapper's arrest, a source close to the Los Angeles Police Department has claimed The Game is suspected of pulling "out a gun and (using) it to threaten another person on the court". It's not the first time the rapper has been in trouble with the police - he was arrested in New York City in November over allegations he pretended to be an undercover police officer to persuade a cab driver to run red lights.

By WENN world entertainment news - Monday, May 14

Troubled R&B singer Bobby Brown shocked crew members on the set of a TV show after reacting angrily to questions about his sexual orientation. The My Prerogative singer was taking part in a new series which sees a star spend 24 hours with a TV presenter in an intense day-long interview. Host Jamie Campbell made a joke about having not yet attempted any "sex moves" on the star - in spite of the pair having spent 12 hours together. Brown responded, "What the f**k do you mean sex moves? Are you gay?” "On live TV I will f**k you up. Do you know how I could f**k you up in here? Do you know that? Are you gay? I think you're less of a man for not answering. "You know what would be more of a joke? If this 24 hours ended right now. I will whoop your a** in here, thoroughly."

Dotmusic - Thursday, May 10

Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has claimed there will be no more music released under the name of Tupac Shakur. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the rap presenter predicted that the late rapper simply had no more music in the archives. He said: "There’s not gonna be anymore Tupac albums. The vaults have run out." Westwood, who considers Shakur to be the greatest rapper of all time, also commented on conspiracy theories that hip hop star is still alive. He added: "Tupac, may he rest in peace, is well and truly gone. "But he is outselling a lot of new rappers from the grave without a question of a doubt." Seven albums have been released under Shakur's name since he was killed in 1996 at the age of 25. The latest of these, "Pac's Life", was released in 2007, and featured beyond the grave collaborations with the likes of Young Buck and Ludacris.

E! - Thursday, May 10

Eddie Murphy is set to star in a big-screen adaptation of Fantasy Island, the Aaron Spelling produced primetime soap that ran from 1978-1984 on ABC and made a white-suited star of Ricardo Montalban, who played the island's mysterious owner, Mr. Roarke.   Murphy will play multiple characters in the film, which is being written by Norbit co-scribes Jay Scherick and David Rom, according to the Hollywood Reporter.  

Contactmusic.com – Thursday, May 10  

Hip-hop star Jermaine Dupri’s new role as president of urban music at Island records will feature familiar faces - his girlfriend Janet Jacksonis set to join him at the label. Dupri is convinced his pop star girlfriend will be an asset to the company after recording fifteen number one hit singles in the US since 1986. Asked if Jackson will join the label, he tells MTV, "Definitely Janet will end up at Island. That's without a doubt."

ITN - Wednesday, May 9

After his latest court appearance, Busta Rhymes is free to drive. Rhymes' lawyer said a judge turned down a motion by the prosecution to suspend the rapper's licence following his drink driving arrest last week. A second breathalyser test showed Rhymes was under the legal limit. The Grammy-nominated musician also turned down a plea deal that would have sent him to jail for one year, according to officials in New York. This is the fourth time that Rhymes has been arrested in the past ten months. The rapper also faces two charges for assault and one for driving with a suspended licence. In exchange for pleading guilty, Rhymes would have served one year for the assault charges, been fined $1,500 (£1,250) and forced to participate in an anti-drink driving programme, said Edison Alban, a spokesman for the Manhattan District Attorney's office. The next court date has been set for July 10. In the past Rhymes' lawyer, Scott Leemon, has been quoted in press reports as calling Rhymes' arrests "payback" for the star's refusal to help police in their investigation into the fatal 2006 shooting of Rhymes' former bodyguard, Israel Ramirez. The case remains unsolved.

WENN world entertainment news - Tuesday, May 8

Eddie Murphy's romance with TV executive Tracey Edmonds suffered its first big test over Christmas (06) when his ex, Spice Girl Melanie Brown almost came between them. Edmonds, the former wife of producer Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, was taken aback by the pop star's outrage when she heard Murphy was dating again - and started thinking that romance hadn't ended months before. So she challenged the Dreamgirls star because she was concerned he was still seeing Brown when their romance began at the end of last year (06). She explains, "You have the natural female reaction where I'm like, 'You guys had already broken up for quite a few months, so why is she so devastated? Brown insists Murphy ended their relationship in early December (06) - the same week Edmonds told America's People magazine she had been dating Murphy "for about a month and a half". Brown has since questioned Edmonds and Murphy's partnership, asking, "Is that relationship real?"