During the summer, tourists flock to the beaches, children hear ice cream trucks from miles away and women wear little to nothing. It is the season for big bashes and wild flings. But summer just isn’t summer without sizzling celebrity gossip. Reeewwwiinndd!! Take a look at the summer’s hottest entertainment news.
Playing catch up
In May, rapper 50 Cent hit the headlines, with former G-Unit affiliate, Bang’em Smurf, revealing more information about 50…this time slating him as a “fake.” Smurf stated that G-Unit’s super-thug persona is an image and a marketing tool the Queens emcee has used to gain respect in the rap world.
Collabos
Ruff Ryder’s first lady, Eve, worked with superstar producer Dr. Dre this summer on her fourth album, which is set for an the end of the year release.
Snoop Dogg signed a deal with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo on their Neptunes imprint, ‘Star Trax’. The Neptunes, who recently left Arista to join Interscope, home to artists such as 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and Eminem, will now house the artist and his label Doggystyle Records.
P. Diddy teamed up with Estee Lauder to launch his own men’s fragrance, “Sean John.” According to Estee Lauder, the fragrance will debut in retail stores before the end of 2005.
Singled out
Snoop Dogg filed for divorce from his wife, stating the all-too familiar irreconcilable differences in the court papers he filed in Los Angeles. The rapper born Calvin Broadus, will seek joint custody of his three children ages 9, 7 and 4.
West coast rapper Mack 10 and TLC lead singer, T-Boz divorced over adultery and abuse charges. No more red light specials in this relationship.
Listen up
Nelly decided to push back the release of his third album, a double disc, which was set to drop over the summer. The first CD called “Sweat” contains club hits and street anthems, while the second disc titled “Suit,” features smooth, melodic tracks. The double disc will be released on Sept. 14.
Trials and Tribulations
In June, R. Kelly was back in court for a series of hearings in advance of his trial in Chicago. Although 12 charges against Kelly were dropped in Florida, the singer faced 14 counts of child pornography in Illinois, his home state. Still, the Pied Piper worked on his new album “Happy People/U Saved Me,” which was originally set for a summer release.
Roc-A-Fella rapper Beanie Sigel’s court date on his attempted murder charges was pushed back to Jan. 12, 2005.
Bad Boy crooner Loon failed to appear in California’s Beverly Hills Superior Court on June 3, for a preliminary hearing on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. Loon was due in court on charges stemming from the stabbing of a security guard outside the House of Blues nightclub in Los Angeles.
DMX was arrested and charged for attempted robbery.
In other news, wife of rap mogul Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee, was arrested and charged with drug and trafficking violations. She was stopped, and marijuana was allegedly found in her vehicle.
T.I. appeared on stage at a “welcome back gig” at Atlanta’s radio station Hot 107.9 birthday bash concert and was believed to have insulted Houston rapper Lil’ Flip. Dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit, T.I. showed pictures of Flip on the big screen, dressed in “a green leprechaun suit.”
Guests of honor
Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles were among the big winners at this year’s BET awards. Knowles was named best female R&B artist, and Jay-Z won the award for best male hip-hop artist.
OutKast won multiple honors for video of the year and best group.
Revelations
Two weeks after it was revealed that Brandy was never married to her ex, music producer Robert Smith, the R&B singer announced her engagement to NBA star Quentin Richardson. Richardson asked for Brandy’s hand in marriage with an 11.5-carat diamond ring, valued at $1 million, at a private party in Los Angeles.
Rumor has it that the notorious female rapper Lil’ Kim is going steady with former Roots keyboardist, producer Scott Storch. The two are rumored to have been dating for a few months, and Storch is currently heating up the airwaves with Terror Squad’s “Lean Back,” as well as working on new projects with Ray J., Faith Evans and the Queen Bee.
Just in case
Music producer Babyface brought together stars including Missy Elliot, Brandy, Eve, Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Faith Evans and Wyclef Jean to cover “Wake Up Everybody,” encouraging Americans to vote in the upcoming presidential elections. The tune will be featured on an album for America Coming Together, a campaign group promoting a change of president.