Bring That Week Back: Week of May 24

What's behind 50 Cent's weight loss? Plus Jamaica is under seige and Kilpatrick goes to jail. More top stories.

Gary Coleman Dies - Gary Coleman, most popular for his role as Arnold in the 1970’s sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” passed away Friday. He was 42. Coleman was admitted to the hospital after falling and hitting his head outside of his Utah home earlier this week. As a result of the fall, he suffered an intercranial hemorrhage, and his life support was terminated, according to a spokeswoman at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.

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Gary Coleman Dies - Gary Coleman, most popular for his role as Arnold in the 1970’s sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” passed away Friday. He was 42. Coleman was admitted to the hospital after falling and hitting his head outside of his Utah home earlier this week. As a result of the fall, he suffered an intercranial hemorrhage, and his life support was terminated, according to a spokeswoman at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.

Teen Twins Charged With Murdering Mom - Georgia authorities charged 16-year-old twins Tasmiyah and Jasmiyah Whitehead as adults for murdering their mother. Jarmecca Whitehead was found stabbed to death in January. Police say that the girls first told them that they found their mother dead and ran for help. But they were suspects early on, and the murder charge came after four months of investigation. Police have no motive.

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Teen Twins Charged With Murdering Mom - Georgia authorities charged 16-year-old twins Tasmiyah and Jasmiyah Whitehead as adults for murdering their mother. Jarmecca Whitehead was found stabbed to death in January. Police say that the girls first told them that they found their mother dead and ran for help. But they were suspects early on, and the murder charge came after four months of investigation. Police have no motive.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Get a Blessing - Rap producer Swizz Beatz and his pregnant fiancée Alicia Keys got a traditional Zulu blessing during a ceremony while they were in South Africa. During an interview this week, Beatz revealed that the two were doing an event under a special tree where abused kids come to get healing. “It turned into this ceremony that I didn’t know about. I felt like I was on “Punk’d” or something! But, yes we had a special blessing,” he said. Keys and the unborn baby were given Zulu names during the ritual.

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Alicia Keys is Pregnant and Engaged - After months of speculation, reps for singer Alicia Keys and producer Swizz Beatz confirmed Thursday night that Keys is expecting her first child and that the couple will get married at a private ceremony later this year.

50 Cent’s Crazy Weight Loss - Shocking pictures released this week by 50 Cent revealed the rapper/actor’s dramatic weight loss. 50 dropped over 50 pounds for a movie role in which he plays a football player diagnosed with cancer. The rapper says he was able to go from 214 pounds to 160 pounds in nine weeks by going on a liquid diet and hitting the treadmill three hours a day. The film, “Things Fall Apart,” will be released next year.

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50 Cent’s Crazy Weight Loss - Shocking pictures released this week by 50 Cent revealed the rapper/actor’s dramatic weight loss. 50 dropped over 50 pounds for a movie role in which he plays a football player diagnosed with cancer. The rapper says he was able to go from 214 pounds to 160 pounds in nine weeks by going on a liquid diet and hitting the treadmill three hours a day. The film, “Things Fall Apart,” will be released next year.

Hip-Hop is Alive Again - Nas, who famously proclaimed the death of hip-hop back in 2006 with his album, “Hip Hop is Dead,” thinks the genre has life again. “It died several times, but I do believe in the heartbeat of it right now. There are a lot of new artists, and artists that have been around, who are kicking a** right now.” The rapper and Damian Marley are collaborating for a new album entitled “Distant Relatives.”

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Hip-Hop is Alive Again - Nas, who famously proclaimed the death of hip-hop back in 2006 with his album, “Hip Hop is Dead,” thinks the genre has life again. “It died several times, but I do believe in the heartbeat of it right now. There are a lot of new artists, and artists that have been around, who are kicking a** right now.” The rapper and Damian Marley are collaborating for a new album entitled “Distant Relatives.”

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Kilpatrick Sentenced to Up to 5 Years - Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced to up to five years in prison Tuesday for violating his probation, stemming from his conviction for lying under oath about an affair with his chief of staff. Kilpatrick was ordered to pay the city of Detroit $1 million, but a judge ruled that he didn’t report all of his assets. Kilpatrick pled for the court’s mercy, but to no avail.

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Kilpatrick Sentenced to Up to 5 Years - Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced to up to five years in prison Tuesday for violating his probation, stemming from his conviction for lying under oath about an affair with his chief of staff. Kilpatrick was ordered to pay the city of Detroit $1 million, but a judge ruled that he didn’t report all of his assets. Kilpatrick pled for the court’s mercy, but to no avail.

Nas and Kelis are Officially Done - Nas and Kelis’ marriage is officially over. Late last week, papers were filed in L.A. County Superior Court to finalize the divorce, TMZ reports. Kelis filed for divorce last April and in July, the court ordered Nas to pay $44,000 a month for both spousal and child support. But Nas says he doesn’t have the funds to pay

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Nas and Kelis are Officially Done - Nas and Kelis’ marriage is officially over. Late last week, papers were filed in L.A. County Superior Court to finalize the divorce, TMZ reports. Kelis filed for divorce last April and in July, the court ordered Nas to pay $44,000 a month for both spousal and child support. But Nas says he doesn’t have the funds to pay

Jamaica’s State of Emergency - A state of emergency was declared in Jamaica after masked men, defending a reputed drug lord, set a police state ablaze and shot at security forces in Kingston. The violence came after it was announced that Christopher “Dudus” Coke was to be extradited to the U.S. to face drug charges. About 74 people died in the days of violence, and now government officials believe that Coke might have fled the country.

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Jamaica’s State of Emergency - A state of emergency was declared in Jamaica after masked men, defending a reputed drug lord, set a police state ablaze and shot at security forces in Kingston. The violence came after it was announced that Christopher “Dudus” Coke was to be extradited to the U.S. to face drug charges. About 74 people died in the days of violence, and now government officials believe that Coke might have fled the country.

Cavs Fire Coach - After he wasn’t able to lead his team to a title with NBA superstar LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers fired coach Mike Brown after five seasons. During his time with the Cavs, Brown was 272-138 and was voted Coach of the Year last season. The team has fallen short of winning a title, and James, a two-time MVP, is eligible for free agency this year.

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Cavs Fire Coach - After he wasn’t able to lead his team to a title with NBA superstar LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers fired coach Mike Brown after five seasons. During his time with the Cavs, Brown was 272-138 and was voted Coach of the Year last season. The team has fallen short of winning a title, and James, a two-time MVP, is eligible for free agency this year.

Campbell May Testify in “Blood Diamonds” Trial - Prosecutors trying Liberia’s former president Charles Taylor for war crimes want to subpoena supermodel Naomi Campbell to testify about being given uncut diamonds by Taylor at a reception in 1997. Taylor denies he aided rebels during Sierra Leone’s civil war in exchange for diamonds. But Campbell’s testimony would provide “direct evident of the accused’s possession of rough diamonds,” a prosecutor stated.

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Campbell May Testify in “Blood Diamonds” Trial - Prosecutors trying Liberia’s former president Charles Taylor for war crimes want to subpoena supermodel Naomi Campbell to testify about being given uncut diamonds by Taylor at a reception in 1997. Taylor denies he aided rebels during Sierra Leone’s civil war in exchange for diamonds. But Campbell’s testimony would provide “direct evident of the accused’s possession of rough diamonds,” a prosecutor stated.

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Rapper’s Shooter is Acquitted - Late last week, Aubrey Berry was acquitted in the killing of Dolla, an Atlanta rapper. Dolla, real name Roderick Anthony Burton II, was killed last May at a Los Angeles mall. Berry says he shot Burton when he threatened to kill him and looked like he was reaching for a gun (police say Burton was unarmed). And it looks like Dolla’s rap lyrics, which portrayed him as being violent, ended up working in favor of his shooter. The defense played his rap video during closing arguments.

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Rapper’s Shooter is Acquitted - Late last week, Aubrey Berry was acquitted in the killing of Dolla, an Atlanta rapper. Dolla, real name Roderick Anthony Burton II, was killed last May at a Los Angeles mall. Berry says he shot Burton when he threatened to kill him and looked like he was reaching for a gun (police say Burton was unarmed). And it looks like Dolla’s rap lyrics, which portrayed him as being violent, ended up working in favor of his shooter. The defense played his rap video during closing arguments.

Business Leader Raymond Haysbert Dies - African-American business community leader and former Parks Sausage Co. chief executive officer Raymond V. Haysbert Sr. died Monday at age 90. Haysbert, who led Parks, the first Black-owned business to go public in 1969, and the Baltimore Urban League, died at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.

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Business Leader Raymond Haysbert Dies - African-American business community leader and former Parks Sausage Co. chief executive officer Raymond V. Haysbert Sr. died Monday at age 90. Haysbert, who led Parks, the first Black-owned business to go public in 1969, and the Baltimore Urban League, died at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.

New York/New Jersey Get 2014 Super Bowl - On Tuesday, the NFL awarded the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Super Bowl XLVIII. This marks the first time the game will be hosted in an open air stadium in a cold region, providing the possibility of a Super Bowl played in snow.

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New York/New Jersey Get 2014 Super Bowl - On Tuesday, the NFL awarded the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Super Bowl XLVIII. This marks the first time the game will be hosted in an open air stadium in a cold region, providing the possibility of a Super Bowl played in snow.

Wale - On "Uptown Roamers," Wale reveals,"The home of Marvin Gaye/that's all I gotta say/Iverson was cool but I supported Victor Page." A D.C. native just like Wale, Page was Iverson's teammate at Georgetown University.

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Wale a Homophobe? - Wale’s decision to back out of a D.C. Pride event has gay rights activists up in arms. He decided not to participate because he “didn’t know Black Pride was a gay-related event when he agreed to appear.” Organizers aren’t pleased. “This is pure homophobia on his part,” one was quoted as saying.

Teacher Punished for Students in Klan Robes - A Georgia teacher has been placed on administrative leave and could be fired for allowing four students to wear mock KKK outfits for a final project in a high school class, administrators say. The robes upset some Black students, and at least one parent complained. “It was poor judgment on my part in allowing them to film at the school,” the teacher, Catherine Ariemma said. “That was a hard lesson learned.” She said the class has 15 students of multiple races, but no Blacks.

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Teacher Punished for Students in Klan Robes - A Georgia teacher has been placed on administrative leave and could be fired for allowing four students to wear mock KKK outfits for a final project in a high school class, administrators say. The robes upset some Black students, and at least one parent complained. “It was poor judgment on my part in allowing them to film at the school,” the teacher, Catherine Ariemma said. “That was a hard lesson learned.” She said the class has 15 students of multiple races, but no Blacks.

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Guru’s Unreleased Material to be Released - Some unheard material from late rapper Guru is set to be released by his business partner Solar and 7 Grand Records. The release, referred to as a “tribute campaign” by the label, will consist of behind the scenes and concert footage, reports Hip Hop DX.

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Guru’s Unreleased Material to be Released - Some unheard material from late rapper Guru is set to be released by his business partner Solar and 7 Grand Records. The release, referred to as a “tribute campaign” by the label, will consist of behind the scenes and concert footage, reports Hip Hop DX.

Trinidad Elects First Female PM - Trinidad and Tobago has elected its first female prime minister in an early election, ousting an incumbent hurt by soaring crime and allegations of public corruption. Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar told thousands of supporters at a celebration early Tuesday morning that her government will not allow one ethnic group or social class to dominate the twin-island country. Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress party draws support mainly from those with East Indian ancestry.

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Trinidad Elects First Female PM - Trinidad and Tobago has elected its first female prime minister in an early election, ousting an incumbent hurt by soaring crime and allegations of public corruption. Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar told thousands of supporters at a celebration early Tuesday morning that her government will not allow one ethnic group or social class to dominate the twin-island country. Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress party draws support mainly from those with East Indian ancestry.

Liberian Leader Visits Obama - Obama welcomed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Thursday for an Oval Office visit, praising her for leading Liberia after its brutal civil war. She took office in 2006, the first and still the only woman elected head of state in Africa.Obama noted new elections are set for next year and said countries like Guinea and Niger can learn from them.. Sirleaf thanked Obama for years of American generosity, adding that the U.S. is starting to see a return on its investment.

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Liberian Leader Visits Obama - Obama welcomed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Thursday for an Oval Office visit, praising her for leading Liberia after its brutal civil war. She took office in 2006, the first and still the only woman elected head of state in Africa.Obama noted new elections are set for next year and said countries like Guinea and Niger can learn from them.. Sirleaf thanked Obama for years of American generosity, adding that the U.S. is starting to see a return on its investment.

Lil Kim Signs with Roc Nation - According to reports, rapper Lil Kim signed a deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, where she will be releasing her next album. Jay will also be the project’s executive producer, reports Sister to Sister. Her last album, “The Naked Truth,” was released in 2005.

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Lil Kim Signs with Roc Nation - According to reports, rapper Lil Kim signed a deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, where she will be releasing her next album. Jay will also be the project’s executive producer, reports Sister to Sister. Her last album, “The Naked Truth,” was released in 2005.

Ex-Drug Dealer Rick Ross to Sue Rapper - Rick Ross, a former drug dealer who dealt millions of dollars in cocaine in the 1980s, is set to sue rapper Rick Ross (whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II) over the use of his name, reports AllHipHop News. Ross went to jail in 1995 on drug charges, and was released from his life sentence in May of last year. Ross doesn’t like how his name was exploited and says he sent cease-and-desist letters to Def Jam in 2006 that he says were ignored. He's taking Ross to court this summer.

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Ex-Drug Dealer Rick Ross to Sue Rapper - Rick Ross, a former drug dealer who dealt millions of dollars in cocaine in the 1980s, is set to sue rapper Rick Ross (whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II) over the use of his name, reports AllHipHop News. Ross went to jail in 1995 on drug charges, and was released from his life sentence in May of last year. Ross doesn’t like how his name was exploited and says he sent cease-and-desist letters to Def Jam in 2006 that he says were ignored. He's taking Ross to court this summer.

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Da Brat Released from Prison - Rapper Da Brat, who was sentenced to three years in prison in 2008, was released on work release, reports Hip Hop DX. She was charged with hitting a clubgoer with a bottle of rum. “Thank yall for the love and support. I got a job. I work a nine-to-five, because I’m in the work release program. I make windows. If yall need a window holla at your girl,” she said. She has to complete seven years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

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Da Brat Released from Prison - Rapper Da Brat, who was sentenced to three years in prison in 2008, was released on work release, reports Hip Hop DX. She was charged with hitting a clubgoer with a bottle of rum. “Thank yall for the love and support. I got a job. I work a nine-to-five, because I’m in the work release program. I make windows. If yall need a window holla at your girl,” she said. She has to complete seven years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

Did Common and Serena Break Up? - After two years of dating, tennis star Serena Williams and rapper Common have split, reports In Touch magazine. According to a source, the pair “just grew apart.” Earlier this month, Common attended the premiere of his new movie, “Just Wright,” with his mother.

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Did Common and Serena Break Up? - After two years of dating, tennis star Serena Williams and rapper Common have split, reports In Touch magazine. According to a source, the pair “just grew apart.” Earlier this month, Common attended the premiere of his new movie, “Just Wright,” with his mother.

BP Tries New Method - On Wednesday, BP launched its latest bid to plug the gushing well in the Gulf of Mexico by force-feeding it heavy drilling mud, a maneuver known as a "top kill" that has never before been tried 5,000 feet underwater. The oil giant's chief executive earlier gave the procedure a 60 to 70 percent chance of working, and President Barack Obama cautioned Wednesday there were "no guarantees."

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BP Tries New Method - On Wednesday, BP launched its latest bid to plug the gushing well in the Gulf of Mexico by force-feeding it heavy drilling mud, a maneuver known as a "top kill" that has never before been tried 5,000 feet underwater. The oil giant's chief executive earlier gave the procedure a 60 to 70 percent chance of working, and President Barack Obama cautioned Wednesday there were "no guarantees."

Malawi Gay Couple Sentenced - A judge sentenced a couple to the maximum 14 years in prison for unnatural acts and gross indecency Thursday under Malawi's anti-gay legislation. Tiwonge Chimbalanga and his partner Steven Monjeza were arrested Dec. 27, the day after they celebrated their engagement with a party at the hotel where Chimbalanga worked. Homosexuality is illegal in at least 37 countries in Africa including Malawi.

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Gay Lovers Separated in Malawi Jail - The gay men convicted under Malawi’s anti-homosexuality laws are being held in separate facilities, according to a prison spokesman. Tiwonge Chimbalanga is being held at a Blantyre prison, while his partner Steven Monjeza is at a prison some 50 miles away. The spokesman says they were separated for their own safety, but did not elaborate. They were convicted last week and sentenced to the maximum 14 years of hard labor.

US Soccer Team Stops By White House - Obama met with the U.S. World Cup soccer team at the White House Thursday along with Vice President Joe Biden, who will attend the team's opening match against England on June 12. Former President Bill Clinton was also on hand, having recently been named the honorary chairman of the bid committee trying to bring the World Cup back to the U.S. in 2018 or 2022.

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US Soccer Team Stops By White House - Obama met with the U.S. World Cup soccer team at the White House Thursday along with Vice President Joe Biden, who will attend the team's opening match against England on June 12. Former President Bill Clinton was also on hand, having recently been named the honorary chairman of the bid committee trying to bring the World Cup back to the U.S. in 2018 or 2022.

T.I. to Work with Lady Gaga, Eminem - Rapper T.I. recently revealed a couple of the collabos on his upcoming album, “King Uncaged,” set to be released this summer. According to MTV, the Atlanta rapper has already worked with Lady Gaga and plans on recording with Eminem as well. “She knows what she’s doing. She knows exactly what she wants people to think and say,” he said about Gaga. He’s still reportedly trying to narrow down 80 tracks for the album.

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T.I. to Work with Lady Gaga, Eminem - Rapper T.I. recently revealed a couple of the collabos on his upcoming album, “King Uncaged,” set to be released this summer. According to MTV, the Atlanta rapper has already worked with Lady Gaga and plans on recording with Eminem as well. “She knows what she’s doing. She knows exactly what she wants people to think and say,” he said about Gaga. He’s still reportedly trying to narrow down 80 tracks for the album.