Rapper Heavy D Dead at Age 44

A true legend in the hip hop genre has passed away today, with sad news that rapper Heavy D is dead. The "overweight lover" famous for songs including "Now That We Found Love" died at age 44. An early report from TMZ indicates that Heavy D, real name Dwight Arrington Myers, had to be rushed to the hospital in Los Angeles earlier today. Myers was pronounced dead at the hospital. Apparently, there had been a 911 call made which reported "an unconscious male on the walkway" outside of Heavy D's Beverly Hills home during Tuesday morning. Help rushed to the scene and found Myers conscious and able to speak. Unfortunately he died a short time later of being taken to the hospital. Heavy D is considered one of the pioneers in rap as well as the mainstream rap movement. His videos frequently played on "YO! MTV Raps," and they included "You Can't See What I Can See" the crew jam, "Don't Curse," and "Is It Good to You." Heavy D is also famous for creating the theme song for the sketch comedy show "In Loving Color." Most recently, he had a cameo in the movie "Tower Heist," and appeared at BET's 2011 Hip-Hop Awards as a performer. For those that remember listening to Heavy D's music, this is a major loss. His work has inspired many other musicians along the way, and paved the way for rap to be among mainstream music. Heavy D is being remembered by fellow musicians and celebs for his good nature and contributions to music. RIP to one of rap's true greats whose musical legacy will not be forgotten.

Rapper Guru of Gang Starr dies, age 43

The hip hop community and the world has suffered a great loss as of Monday. Rapper Guru has passed away at the age of 43. The Gang Starr founder and influential solo artist had been fighting a year long battle with cancer. Just several months ago, he slipped into a coma and was hospitalized. Unfortunately he lost his battle to the devastating disease yesterday. Gang Starr were early pioneers in hip hop, with a slew of top hits and headbobbing tracks on their resume. In addition, Guru and Premier have appeared on numerous other works. Guru had success with several solo albums including his "Jazzmatazz" series of albums. His Jazzmatazz Vol. 3: Streetsoul reached #32 on the Billboard 200, his highest charting solo work. Reportedly, Guru wrote a letter on his deathbed which he put in the care of producer Solar. The letter asked Solar to handle Guru's affairs upon death and to make sure DJ Premier does not operate under the Gang Starr name. Read the full letter by Guru here. Deepest condolences go out to all of Guru's family, friends and fans. As a longtime fan of Gang Starr, this is definitely a sad loss for the hip hop genre as Guru is one of the greats with recognizable and distinguished rap vocals and skill that will be unmatched.

Rap Attack's Mr. Magic dies

John Rivas, better known as New York disc jockey Mr. Magic died of a heart attack earlier Friday. He was an inspirational figure in hip-hop music as he co-founded WBLS-FM's "Rap Attack" show in 1983, which hit the airwaves officially in 1989. His six year span on the show helped give the music more validity as a genre. In its prime years it featured Marley Marl as the DJ and Tyrone "Fly Ty" Williams as the show's co-producer. Mr. Magic also was part of a battle in the mid-80's against fellow radio disc jockey for another station named Kool DJ Red Alert. The Juice Crew headed by Marley Marl figured into this feud as well. When it comes to hip-hop pioneers you're not likely to hear people immediately mention "Mr. Magic", but in fact he is one of the rap pioneers who brought the music genre to the mainstream. He's been name dropped by Notorious BIG as an early inspiration- "Every Saturday - Rap Attack - Mr. Magic Marley Marl" on the hit song Juicy. Other rappers to mention him include Whodini, Tupac Shakur and Nas on various songs. He released a few albums including greatest hits from the Rap Attack show. Mr. Magic was also featured in the hit video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" as one of the disc jockeys on a radio station. His radio show is also heard during a scene in the movie "Notorious" about BIG's life story. Various searches seem to turn up little information on Rivas' birthdate, so his age at death is not yet posted. RIP to John "Mr. Magic" Rivas, an early influence in hip hop....

DJ AM Found Dead in NY Apartment

According to New York Daily News, Adam Goldstein, better known by his moniker "DJ AM" was found dead Friday in his SoHo apartment. The 36 year old disc jockey and celebrity was found amidst drug paraphernalia at around 5:20 PM Friday evening. A little under a year ago, he was involved in a near death experience when a plane he was a passenger in skidded off the runway in South Carolina, then burst into flames. Four were killed in that accident, with Goldstein escaping with severe burns. Travis Barker of Blink-182 fame was also in the crash and escaped alive. Goldstein apparently battled drug addiction, obesity and depression as a youngster, and had spent time in rehab to help overcome his addiction. He's also well known for dating Nicole Richie and becoming engaged to her in 2005, before they broke things off months later. Goldstein was also linked to dating Mandy Moore, former Miss USA Tara Conner and supermodel Jessica Stam. Travis Barker's ex-wife Shana Moakler sent her thoughts out on Goldstein's passing via Twitter: "My deepest condolences for DJ AM," Barker's ex-wife, former Playboy playmate Shanna Moakler wrote in a Twitter feed. "You were a great artist and will be severely missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends." (Story source: NY Daily News)

Rapper Baatin of Slum Village Dead, age 35

In recent breaking news, it was reported that rapper Baatin (real name: Titus Glover) from the hip hop group Slum Village has passed away at just 35 years of age. The cause of Baatin's death has yet to be stated, but his death was confirmed by producer 9th Wonder and R&B singer Dwele. Each of the musicians posted on their Twitter page to make it known. "R.I.P. Baatin of Slum Village, Lets celebrate our people while they are here...we are losing folk" - Producer 9th Wonder "R.I.P Baatin of Slum Village forever, ” wrote Dwele. According to his Wikipedia Baatin got his start back in 1986 rapping, and befriended late D-12 member "Proof" back in the early 90's. He was one of the Slum Village group's original three founding members along with J Dilla (Jay Dee) and T3. Both Dilla and Baatin were with the group from 1996 through 2002. As many know, Dilla unfortunately passed away in 2006 at the age of 32. Baatin left Slum Village in 2004 but made a return for the group this year to work on their latest album release "Villa Manifesto". Slum Village currently consists of members T3, Elzhi and Illa J. RIP to Baatin of Slum Village, with deepest condolences to all friends, family and fans. Official Slum Village website Baatin's Myspace Page

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service a Televised Tribute

Michael jackson memorial service was televised online live streaming footage on the TV/video website Hulu.com. The coverage came via FoxNews with Megyn Kelly hosting. Most major networks across the US also aired the memorial which was well over an hour long. Fans watched the service live around the world in large gatherings, including one outside the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC. Prior to the service's start, Smokey Robinson read statements from a few guests who were unable to attend, Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela. Diana Ross evidently may not have attended due to all the attention over the custody battle for MJ's kids, and how she may be named the mother of them. Michael Jackson's gold casket was under a spotlight in front of the stage with a giant screen hanging up above to show highlight clips and images of the late "King of Pop". The majority of Jackson's family was in attendance as were some of the most famous stars on the planet. Kobe Bryant, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Lou Ferrigno, Don King, the Kardashian sisters, Magic Johnson, Brooke Shields, Larry King all showed up to pay Pastor Lucius Smith opened the memorial ceremony calling Michael "an idol, a hero and a king" as well as our "brother, son, father and friend". After the pastor's opening, Mariah Carey sang a redone remake of the Jackson 5 classic "I'll Be There". Singer Trey Lorenz was even present to add his parts to the song just as he did on Mariah Carey's Unplugged. Queen Latifah was out next to speak and read the Maya Angelou Michael Jackson Poem called "We Had Him". Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas spoke of Michael as a humanitarian and presented a bill to forever honor the King of Pop. Mariah Carey sings with Trey Lorenz at Michael Jackson memorial The memorial featured many stars performing in tribute to the late King of Pop. Music legend Lionel Richie sang "Jesus is Love", and Stevie Wonder sang "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer". Jennifer Hudson sang, "Will You Be There", John Mayer performed "Human Nature" via guitar, and R&B star Usher performed "Gone Too Soon", then was comforted by front row friends and family at the song's close. Michael Jackson's brother performed Michael's favorite all-time song, Smile by Charlie Chaplin (Lyrics) from a B&W movie "Modern Times". 12-year old Shaheen Jafargholi, a singing sensation from Britain's Got Talent, showcased his skills as he sang the Jackson 5 classic "Who's Loving You Now", sounding eerily similar to the young Michael. Berry Gordy, the man who originally signed the Jackson 5 in Motown, reminisced as well, recalling one time where MJ's audition of a Smokey Robinson song outdid the song's original singer. Michael Jackson's daughter Paris speaks at Memorial Service Basketball celebs Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, who are well known at the Staples Center and around the world, also spoke words of remembrance of Michael. Magic Jackson held a starring role in Michael's "Remember the Time" music video. Magic reminisced about having dinner with Michael to discuss the video, and when he saw the server bring out Michael a bucket of KFC it made his day. Brooke Shields and Michael Jackson were close friends and the actress spoke of how photos of the two surfaced together with captions such as "odd couple". Brooke brought up the "glove" and how she asked to hold Michael's other hand so the sequins wouldn't hurt her. Other speakers included Smokey Robinson, and the Reverend Al Sharpton, who gave a passionate speech thanking Michael for making us love one another, and allowing people to even embrace a black man as president of the United States. The ceremony closed with a heartfelt one line speech from Michael's daughter, Paris, who said "I just wanted to say..ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, and I just wanted to say I love him, so much". Michael Jackson's resting place is unknown as of now, it may be Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills cemetery where many other famous celebrities have been buried, but as seen by today's memorial, MJ will forever rest in the hearts of the many he influenced around the world. Michael Jackson ringtones for your mobile phone Michael Jackson CD Album music selections

Michael Jackson's Televised Memorial Service - TV Coverage

Read about the July 7th, 2009 televised Michael Jackson Memorial service here About 17,500 fans who registered online were lucky winners of tickets to attend a massive memorial service for the King of Pop Michael Jackson Tuesday. The ceremony will offer fans a chance to pay their respect to the man who changed the world via pop music. According to various reports, over 1.6 million people registered at the Staples Center website this weekend, and there's even a sale on eBay for 2 MJ Memorial tickets for the small price of just $5 million. If you can't afford that, or weren't one of the lucky several thousand fans to win tickets via the online lottery for the MJ memorial service, don't fret. The Michael Jackson memorial service will be televised live from Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday, July 7th, 2009. Many of the major networks will be covering the event incuding MSNBC, ABC's "Good Morning American", CBS' "The Early Show", NBC's "Today". The service itself will be televised at 10 AM EST. Many of the major networks will also offer coverage live from Staples Center at night around 10 PM EST as well. Online sites Hulu.com and LATimes.com will also offer live streaming broadcasts of Michael Jackson's memorial service on the internet. Coverage of Michael Jackson Memorial Service Michael Jackson ringtones for your mobile phone Michael Jackson CD Album music selections

Staples Center Michael Jackson Memorial Tickets

Arrangements have officially been set for the Michael Jackson public memorial and funeral service. The service will be held for thousands of fans this coming Tuesday, July 7th, at 10 AM at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. There will be approximately 17,500 tickets randomly distributed to fans who register at the Staples Center website. Additionally there will be about 11,000 tickets given randomly to fans already registered via MJ's website. More info from StaplesCenter.com: If your application is successful, you will receive an email on Sunday, July 5, 2009 after 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time with your exclusive unique code and instructions on how to obtain your two free tickets to attend the Public Memorial Service. A valid ticket will be required to enter the STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE area on Tuesday, July 7, 2009. The tickets will be distributed for either the public memorial service in STAPLES Center or a live television broadcast in the adjacent Nokia Theatre. According to website techbanyan.com, the Staples Center website got a massive burst in visitor traffic once the news of the Jackson funeral and memorial service tickets broke. Apparently more than 500 million hits came to the website and it continues to see flourishing traffic. Staples Center website crashed at one point, requiring them to buy a new server to host the site. Also, over a million fans have already applied for tickets from all corners of the world. Remembering Michael Jackson via ringtones Michael Jackson's Music Videos, Lyrics, News

Michael Jackson Dead, Age 50

One of the biggest pop icons in the world has shockingly passed away at age 50 due to cardiac arrest. Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest Thursday which claimed his life. Fire officials rushed to his home after a 911 call and performed CPR on the pop star who was not breathing. Jackson was rushed over to UCLA Medical Center where he passed away. From LiveDaily.com: The Los Angeles Police Department is launching an investigation into Jackson's death, the LA Times reported. Though police reportedly do not suspect homicide, they do hope to clear up what they view as some cloudy circumstances surrounding the death. "This is an unbelievable tragedy, first of all for his family, for his devout fans, for the world of music and for the world of culture," said jazz great Herbie Hancock inn a prepared statement. "Michael was one of the most diligent creators. His passion flowed through every pore of his being. His sense of invention was unparalleled. Who else could have thought of the moonwalk and who else could have created such a unique sense of movement in dance. His contribution to music and music videos; 'Off the Wall,' 'Thriller,' 'We are the World' are expressions of his consummate talent. Above all his compassion for serving humanity and desire to uplift and encourage excellence are etched in his legacy. He changed the world." Everyone remains shocked at the news of the major pop icon's passing. Despite numerous legal troubles and bizarre moments from the pop musician's life, Michael Jackson's music contribution to the world of pop music simply can't be ignored. After becoming successful with The Jackson Five when he was just a youngster, the talented 14-year old Michael Jackson went on to embark on a major solo career which spanned several decades. Jackson launched "Off the Wall" which sold millions of copies and had four top 10 hits, followed by the all-time great "Thriller" which has sold nearly 50 million copies in its history. It included the Jackson classics "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and of course the title track "Thriller" which also saw Jackson in a feature music video based on horror movies. Jackson's plan for the future had been to perform in London through March 2010 during a 50-night concert engagement, expected to gross $400 million. See the Michael Jackson obituary in Los Angeles Times Read more at Michael Jackson's Wikipedia bio Official Michael Jackson website

Tupac Shakur Alive - TMZ Sighting?

Is Tupac Shakur alive? TMZ wants you to believe there was a recent Tupac sighting. The Online entertainment and celebrity gossip media site, TMZ.com, recently ran a story claiming they have photos of Tupac Shakur, alive and kicking it. The "evidence" comes from a TMZ.com photo gallery called "Tupac Lives" seen here. In the photos, a man who closely resembles Tupac (from the side) is shown in a bar/club wearing a white long sleeve shirt and enjoying drinks with other patrons. He's got the facial hair, the nose ring and the serious Pac look going on. Since the photos are all from the side view, there's a considerable resemblance but not enough to fully call the man much more than a really good Tupac look-alike. Maybe even a good casting call for a new movie about the life of Shakur (similar to "Notorious"). 2Pac was reported murdered 13 years ago, but many fans, and of course the celebrity gossip site want to believe he's still alive, similar to the Elvis Presley sightings many people claim each year. TMZ is notorious for catching celebrities, both real and fake in compromising, humiliating and other public situations, sometimes resulting in dramatic consequences. While it would be nice to see Tupac alive again, as of now Tupac's autopsy still says he's DOA.