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Day in Pop Report for 02/29/2012


Whitney Houston's Death An Accident?
(popmusiclife) Although Whitney Houston's death remains under investigation, it is expected to be officially ruled an accident, sources tell E! News.

While the actual cause of death was temporarily listed as "deferred" on Houston's death certificate, pending the result of toxicology tests, "nothing suspicious" has been found to connect any physicians or other people of interest to Houston's case and the inquiry is nearing completion, the source says.

Plus, "she had no marks on her body whatsoever to indicate a struggle, and she was the furthest thing from trying to kill herself." more on this story

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Michael Jackson's Daughter Says Final Album Was Fake?
(TMZ) Michael Jackson's daughter Paris made a bombshell announcement to friends ... telling them the MJ album released in the wake of the singer's death did NOT contain MJ's actual voice ... it was an imposter.

TMZ has learned ... the announcement was made during an online video chat with several friends in 2008 ... just before the "Michael" album was released, which contains several previously unreleased tracks allegedly performed by Michael Jackson.

The video chat was recorded ... and Paris joked about the footage eventually "leaking" to the Internet.

Paris had made the announcement in the midst of rumors that MJ's parts on the "Michael" album were REALLY performed by an MJ sound-alike named Jason Malachi ... but both Jason and Sony denied the allegations.

During the video chat, Paris played one of the songs from the album, "Hold My Hand" ... and one of her friends asks why the singer doesn't sound like MJ.

Paris replied, "It's NOT him ... the whole album isn't even him!! Go online ... go on YouTube and look up Jason Malachi. That's him!!"

She continues, "I should know if it's him or not because he would sing to me all the time."

TMZ has learned a recording of Paris' video message is being shopped to various media outlets ... and we're told "Offers are on the table." more on this story

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Lady Gaga For New Men In Black Movie
(popmusiclife) Lady Gaga will soon be appearing on a big screen near you. NME reports it has been revealed that Gaga will make a cameo appearance in the forthcoming movie Men In Black 3.

Gaga's guest role was confirmed by star Will Smith, who told www.ElCorilloRD.com about her appearance during a promotional interview in Rio.

"We have a couple of celebrity cameos, but I think I can not reveal who they are," said Smith. "We must keep as a surprise that Lady Gaga appears." more on this story

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Hugh Hefner's Son Charged With Playmate Assault
(TMZ) Hugh Hefner's son Marston Hefner has officially been charged with roughing up his Playmate girlfriend ... and now faces over a year in jail -- this according to the Pasadena City Attorney.

TMZ broke the story ... Marston was arrested earlier this month after allegedly attacking Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair inside the couple's Pasadena apartment.

A rep for the Pasadena City Attorney's office tells us, Marston was charged yesterday with one count of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.

We're told Marston has also been charged with vandalism -- after he allegedly damaged Claire's lap top during the heated argument.

If convicted on both counts, Marston faces a year-and-a-half behind bars. more on this story

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Cee Lo Green To Release Autobiography
(popmusiclife) Cee Lo Green is writing his autobiography. Billboard reports Grand Central Books announced it had signed the multi-platinum star to write a book about his life to be published in 2013.

In a statement Green said, "FORGET YOU? After reading my book, there will be no doubt that I am meant to be. You will enter into the supernatural, the surreal, and extraordinary. As Cee Lo Green, a.k.a. 'everybody's brother,' I will make you a believer. I talk about art imitating life; YOU discover CRAZY."

David Wild, the Rolling Stone contributing editor and television writer, will co-author the book. Singing partner Big Gipp will also contribute "insights" about Green. more on this story

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Madonna Releases Girl Gone Wild
(popmusiclife) Madonna has released the second single from her forthcoming new album, "MDNA."

"Girl Gone Wild" is another dance floor rave up; it was written by Vancouver native Jenson Vaughan.

Billboard reports the track was helmed by dance music superstar Benny Benassi and his production partner/cousin, Ale Benassi. Take a listen here with a lyric video

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Keane Set New Album Release and TV Appearance
Keane return with a new album, a late night TV appearance and performances at SXSW.

The band will release their fourth studio album Strangeland on May 8th in the U.S. The band will debut first single "Silenced By The Night" on Jimmy Kimmel Live March 12th (ABC, Midnight) before heading to Austin, TX for their very first showing at SXSW where they will play a handful of shows including Filter Magazine's party on March 15th and the Rolling Stone party on March 16th.

Strangeland was produced by Dan Grech (Radiohead, The Vaccines, Howling Bells) at Sea Fog, Keane songwriter/pianist Tim Rice-Oxley's studio in South Downs, UK. Grech spoke exclusively with Billboard about his first collaboration with the group last May, who are now a four piece with the addition of new member bass player Jesse Quin who collaborated with Rice-Oxley on Mt. Desolation. more on this story

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Ja Rule Spending Leap Year Birthday Behind Bars
(TMZ) It's the first time in four years Ja Rule can celebrate his real birthday -- February 29th -- but despite being stuck behind bars, Ja won't go hungry ... and we got the rapper's 2,500-calorie prison birthday menu to prove it.

According to the "heart healthy menu" at the NY State prison where Ja is currently serving a two-year sentence for gun possession -- JR can look forward to some delicious corn flakes in the morning, Jamaican patties for lunch, and turkey stew for dinner.

According to the menu, the entire day's worth of food totals between 2,500-2,800 calories -- significantly more than the USDA 2,000 calorie guidelines.

FYI -- we don't know how he did it, but Ja released his 7th studio album yesterday ... all while under lock and key. more on this story

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Neil Diamond 40th Anniversary of Hot August Night Shows
Neil Diamond will return to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 11 and Thursday, August 16 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Hot August Night.

In the summer of 1971, Diamond played seven sold-out nights at the famed Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to a rapturous reception.

The following August, he returned for ten more sold-out shows, an event forever captured on the multi-platinum Hot August Night, a double-record set that demonstrated once and for all Diamond's growing status as a superstar concert sensation. more on this story

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Il Volo To Launch North American Tour
Il Volo will hit the road this summer for a North American headline tour in support of their new CD and DVD, "Il Volo Takes Flight � Live From The Detroit Opera House," which was released this week.

The tour kicks off August 12th in Minneapolis, MN at the Orpheum Theatre and last well into the fall where they will wrap things up on October 2nd in Seattle.

You can also see them on TV. Due to the extraordinary response from a single airing on the PBS Detroit affiliate Detroit Public TV this past December, their first PBS Special "Il Volo Takes Flight" is now scheduled to air in more than 80% of the U.S. as part of the March 2012 PBS Fundraising Drive across the country between March 3rd and March 18th. Confirmed cities airing the special include New York, Boston, Detroit, Washington DC, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Check your local listings for a schedule of airtimes on PBS. more on this story

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Atlanta Falcons Turner Breaks Up Fight Between Girlfriend and His Ex
(TMZ) Atlanta Falcons superstar running back Michael Turner broke up a girl-on-girl BRAWL in front of his home yesterday ... when his new GF allegedly attacked his baby mama with a golf club ... TMZ has learned.

Cops were called to Turner's Georgia mansion Monday afternoon ... and discovered 32-year-old Rasheeda Walker in front of the home ... bleeding from the side of her head.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, Walker claims she has 2 children with Turner and is "upset because he refuses to see them." She also claims she's pregnant with Turner's 3rd child and wanted to talk to him about the situation.

Walker told cops she knocked on the front door ... only to be ambushed by Turner's new GF Elizabeth Delacruz ... who was wielding a golf club and shouting, "YOU AT MY HOUSE NOW B*TCH."

Walker claims she grabbed the golf club away from Delacruz and the two began to fight ... until 5'10", 244-pound Turner came outside and broke the whole thing up.

According to the report, Delacruz told a slightly different story ... telling cops she only grabbed the golf club AFTER Walker sneaked into the house through an unlocked back door.

Cops report both women were scratched up ... and both suffered minor head wounds.

Both women told cops they did NOT want to press charges ... but Walker was issued a criminal trespass warning and advised not to return to the home. We reached out to Walker -- but she had no comment on the situation.

We also called Turner's reps for comment -- so far, no response. more on this story

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Cissy Houston May Visit Whitney's Death Scene for Closure
(TMZ) Whitney Houston's mother Cissy has unfinished business to attend to -- sources tell TMZ she's planning a pilgrimage BACK to the Beverly Hills hotel room where her daughter died ... all in an attempt to get some closure.

According to sources close to Cissy, she wants to go back to room 434 at the Beverly Hilton hotel and reestablish a spiritual connection with her daughter ... in order to come to terms with her sudden death.

We're told Cissy plans to pray while she's there -- and just spend quiet, contemplative time in the space. As one source put it -- Cissy "won't be at peace until she gets closure."

It's unclear when Cissy plans to return to the hotel room -- but we're told the visit will be soon ... she's currently planning out the logistics. more on this story

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Cops Called For Domestic Violence Report At Lane Garrison Home
(TMZ) Actor Lane Garrison was involved in an alleged domestic violence incident Monday night ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Beverly Hills police responded to a call from someone reporting domestic violence in a Bev Hills apartment. The person who called cops was inside the apartment.

When cops arrived, they spoke with Lane and his girlfriend and wrote up an incident report. No one was arrested, but Lane was taken by ambulance for a "medical issue" that our law enforcement sources say was unrelated to the alleged domestic violence incident.

We do not know Lane's current medical condition.

Sources tell us Lane and his girlfriend have had "issues" for a while. As one source put it, "They've been going at each other lately."

You'll recall, Lane served prison time for manslaughter, after driving under the influence and causing an accident that killed a high school student who was riding in his car.

Lane's reps were unaware of the incident. more on this story

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Kelsey and Camille Grammer End Custody Battle
(TMZ) Kelsey Grammer and Camille Grammer have ended their custody war ... settling the dispute and doing it amicably ... TMZ has learned.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the case has officially been taken off calendar. Sources connected with the actor tell TMZ ... Kelsey and Camille have agreed to joint custody of their 2 kids -- 10-year-old Mason and 7-year-old Jude.

We're told the kids will both continue living in Los Angeles with Camille, but Kelsey will maintain "meaningful contact" with both of them.

The couple had reached a temporary custody agreement last July, but this one is permanent.

As for the couple's financial dispute, sources connected with the actor tell us ... they have almost resolved all of the money issues and it should be settled very shortly. more on this story

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Desperate Housewives To Testify Against Nicollette Sheridan?
(TMZ) Marc Cherry is not Nicollette Sheridan's only adversary in her trial -- her former co-stars are poised to destroy her case, because they're all set to testify for the defense.

TMZ has obtained the witness list in Nicollette's trial. Among those who will be called on behalf of Cherry -- Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, Marcia Cross and Neal McDonough.

The women on the show will all testify -- they never saw Marc strike Nicollette, as she alleges, nor did they witness any retaliation after she complained to ABC honchos.

According to the witness list, Nicollette wants to grill Marc for 8 hours.

Eva, Felicity, James, Marcia and Neal will all be in and out in 30 minutes or less, although cross-examination could prolong things. more on this story

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Chris Bosh Reunited With Daughter During NBA All-Star Weekend
(TMZ) Chris Bosh claims this weekend was the "BEST" All-Star weekend ever -- because it took place in Orlando ... giving the Miami Heat star a chance to spend some quality time with his 3-year-old daughter.

As we previously reported, Bosh has been battling his baby mama Allison Mathis in family court -- claiming she's been making it impossible for him to be a dad ... putting up a fight every time he wants to see his kid.

But yesterday as he was leaving an Orlando court, Bosh was in good spirits -- telling TMZ, he missed the slam dunk contest on Saturday because he was hanging with his daughter.

Bosh added, "That's really all I care about. I was lucky [All-Star Weekend] was in Orlando. It was good, real good. Best All-Star Weekend." more on this story

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Sean Kingston Will Jet Ski Again
(TMZ) It's only been 9 months since Sean Kingston crashed and nearly died in a jet ski accident in Miami ... but the "Beautiful Girls" singer says he ABSOLUTELY will ride again.

Kingston was out in L.A. yesterday ... where he just bought a new house ... when we asked about rumors that he moved out West because he was mentally scarred from the jet ski incident and couldn't live around the Atlantic Ocean.

In case you forgot ... Kingston spent some serious time in the intensive care unit of a Florida hospital following the May crash ... in which he suffered a broken jaw and water in the lungs.

Now that he's recovered ... Sean tells us he's not afraid to get back in the water ... he's just waiting for the right moment. more on this story

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Singled Out: The S.O.G. Crew's Welcome To My World
Today Battle Ax from The S.O.G. Crew tells us about their song "Welcome To My World". Here is the story:

"Welcome To My World," has always been our high-energy-anthem. This song is a reminder of how important it is to stay focused on our visions and dreams. As a youngster growing up in the streets of long Beach, CA, I didn't have any positive role models in my life telling me that I was "going to be ok" during the hard times. Now that I am older, doors have been opened to us around the world and I am able to share a message with kids that I never got while growing up, "It does not matter how hard it gets, we just have to keep looking up". We wrote this song in 2005 with the attitude that we didn't want to be boxed in and sound like everyone else in the west coast. Immediately our live shows turned from a Hip Hop and Reggae vibe into a mosh pit and stage diving scene. The song welcomes all those that have supported our crew and the ones around the world that are not familiar with our music to tap in and experience our style.

DJ Siren debuts on this track. This female Latin DJ from San Fernando Valley steps away from the turntables to rip the microphone. In her verse, she declares that she is the new queen of story-telling; informing us that she is about to take fans on a journey for years to come.

"Welcome To My World" was originally produced in 2005 by Greg Leonti. Since then our music quality has gone to a new level. It was a personal dream of mine to remix the song using new members of our network. The song was mixed by award winning mixing engineer Geoff Gibbs, who has done much work for Common; Snoop Dogg, The Game, Ludacris, and has mixed songs on our last album "Where Legends Are Born" 2011. Mastering was done by Gene Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering Burbank, whose repertoire includes work for Lady Gaga, Akon and Mary J. Blige. The new remix single was topped off by killer graphics from Creative Highway Design and Aaron Purnell. Our goal on this remix is to give all S.O.G. Crew fans something that they will appreciate. We dedicated this song to our good friend Ryan Bright from Pueblo Colorado who just passed away. I believe that music like this will help inspire our generation to believe that their dreams can still come true.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!

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