Last Week In Music 8/16-8/22

Last Week In Music 8/16-8/22

MJ's Doctor Speaks! - Dr. Conrad Murray has broken his silence since the death of Michael Jackson back on June 25th with a video released to YouTube. After thanking those who have supported him although he is at the center of the manslaughter investigation, Murray stated, "I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail."

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MJ's Doctor Speaks! - Dr. Conrad Murray has broken his silence since the death of Michael Jackson back on June 25th with a video released to YouTube. After thanking those who have supported him although he is at the center of the manslaughter investigation, Murray stated, "I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail."

Splitsville? - It appears that Nelly and Ashanti may have ended their relationship. The NY Daily News reported of the split in its gossip column and mentioned that Nelly may have already moved on to another woman.

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Splitsville? - It appears that Nelly and Ashanti may have ended their relationship. The NY Daily News reported of the split in its gossip column and mentioned that Nelly may have already moved on to another woman.

Not Without Me - Omarion told VIBE.com he was upset with the Grammy committee because he was not included in the Michael Jackson tribute. Omarion explained, “If you walk back and forth that’s cool, too. If that’s how you entertain, that’s cool, but for the performances and for the dances and for the people that look up to Michael in the fashion I look up to Michael? I hope they bring it. Because if they don’t, then I will.”

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Dropped - Earlier this week, rumors of Omarion being dropped from Lil Wayne's Young Money imprint showered the world wide web. Although it was mere speculation at first, Young Money's president Mack Maine confirmed the former B2K member's departure from the label. "Omarion is no longer with Young Money," he said via a written statement posted by SOHH. "May God be with him and his future endeavors."

SlaughterHouse - Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Crooked I, and Royce Da 5'9" teamed up to form the supergroup Slaughterhouse. Will we get a full length album in 2009?

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Slaughter The Charts - Debuting in the Top 30 was the self-titled first album from Slaughterhouse, the super-group comprised of underground mavens Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9” and Crooked I. The album sold about 18,000 copies to land at the No. 26 position.

Rated R - R Kelly may have released classics like <i>Feelin' On Your Booty</i>, but his freaky side didn’t end there. In 2002, a video tape allegedly showed the singer bedding a 14-year old, including the girl being urinated on. The charges were later reduced to "soliciting a minor for child pornography". Age Ain't Nothing But a Number? Apparently not.

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The Return - After a controversial, but relatively low-key 2008, R. Kelly will release "Untitled," his ninth solo album, on October 13. The album will be led by the Keri Hilson-assisted single, “Number One.” Fans may find a noticeable difference in the beat selection once the album hits store shelves. Kelly, known for self-producing much of his music, is stepping away from the boards.

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Blueprint 3 - Hip-hop titan, Jay-Z, isn’t holding any punches for his 11th studio composition, “Blueprint 3.” The track listing to the project, which is slated to land in retail outlets September 11, was finally released to the public on Monday (August 17) for the masses to digest. It features appearances from Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes, Drake, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Young Jeezy, J. Cole, Mr. Hudson, Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun and Kanye West.

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Blueprint 3 - Hip-hop titan, Jay-Z, isn’t holding any punches for his 11th studio composition, “Blueprint 3.” The track listing to the project, which is slated to land in retail outlets September 11, was finally released to the public on Monday (August 17) for the masses to digest. It features appearances from Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes, Drake, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Young Jeezy, J. Cole, Mr. Hudson, Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun and Kanye West.

Eminem - The Detroit lyricist leads the pack of Grammy nominees with 10 nods. They include Album of the Year and Best Rap Album for "Recovery," Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collabo for "Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna, and Best Rap Song and Best Rap Solo Performance for "Not Afraid".

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Relapse Again - A few months after the release of his already-platinum album, “Relapse,” Eminem is gearing up for the album’s sequel this year. A picture for “Relapse 2” recently appeared on Amazon UK with a November 16 release date. Since stateside releases primarily occur on Tuesdays, that would mean the album is likely to drop on November 17. Both Eminem and Aftermath Records have yet to confirm the album’s release.

Re-Release - The unofficial release of “So Far Gone” allowed Canadian rapper/singer Drake to captivate the hip-hop world. Now, the release that put him on the map is getting the official treatment. “So Far Gone” will see an official release on September 15 to retail outlets nationwide.

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Re-Release - The unofficial release of “So Far Gone” allowed Canadian rapper/singer Drake to captivate the hip-hop world. Now, the release that put him on the map is getting the official treatment. “So Far Gone” will see an official release on September 15 to retail outlets nationwide.

Silent Wedding Bells - Despite remaming discreet about a strong seven year relationship, Beyonce and Jay-Z's wedding was the talk of 2008. The pair held a private ceremony in the Tribeca district of NYC. Both still share very little about the marriage to this very day.

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Jay & Bey Vs Paparazzi - The security team of Jay-Z and Beyonce got into it with a group of paparazzi who reportedly invaded the couple's privacy as they vacationed in Croatia. The security guards tossed some of the paparazzi's equipment to the side. No charges have been filed.

Broken Records - This week the Black Eyed Peas, who have had their share of critics, will have topped Billboard's Hot 100 singles charts for 20 consecutive weeks, the most ever by an act. "Boom Boom Pow" and the song that dislodged it, "I Gotta Feeling," have been at the top of the charts for 12 and eight weeks, respectively.

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Broken Records - This week the Black Eyed Peas, who have had their share of critics, will have topped Billboard's Hot 100 singles charts for 20 consecutive weeks, the most ever by an act. "Boom Boom Pow" and the song that dislodged it, "I Gotta Feeling," have been at the top of the charts for 12 and eight weeks, respectively.

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Burial Postponed - Michael Jackson won't be laid to rest on what would have been his 51st birthday after all. A spokesman for the Jackson family says the King of Pop's funeral has been postponed until Sept. 3, five days after the singer's birthday. Spokesman Ken Sunshine, in a statement Friday, offered no reason for the delay.

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Burial Postponed - Michael Jackson won't be laid to rest on what would have been his 51st birthday after all. A spokesman for the Jackson family says the King of Pop's funeral has been postponed until Sept. 3, five days after the singer's birthday. Spokesman Ken Sunshine, in a statement Friday, offered no reason for the delay.

Sneak Preview - L.A. Reid held an exclusive album listening event with various members of the press for Mariah Carey's upcoming "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel" album, due out on Island Records in late September. Written and produced entirely by Mariah, Tricky and The-Dream, the album's strongest selling point is its musical consistency.

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Sneak Preview - L.A. Reid held an exclusive album listening event with various members of the press for Mariah Carey's upcoming "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel" album, due out on Island Records in late September. Written and produced entirely by Mariah, Tricky and The-Dream, the album's strongest selling point is its musical consistency.

It's A Rap - Lil' Wayne closes with a great performance to a great show!

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Cancelled Dates - According to a press release, “Lil Wayne, due to illness, was advised by his doctors to cancel the Young Money Presents: America’s Most Wanted Music Festival tour stops in Western Canada.”

Bow Wow & Lil Wayne - Bow Wow shocked the music world when he announced that he is joining forces with Lil Wayne and signed to Young Money.

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Bow Wow & Lil Wayne - Bow Wow shocked the music world when he announced that he is joining forces with Lil Wayne and signed to Young Money.

#4 Lauren London - Actress Lauren London kept it short and sweet in an adorable, yellow bubble dress. She accessorized with a single black ring, and spiced it up with very sexy shoes.

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Lil Wayne Is The Daddy - Lil Wayne finally revealed that his is indeed the father of Lauren London's unborn child. Rumors have hovered for some time since London announced she was pregnant. Weezy clarified those rumors and affirmed that he is indeed the daddy.