Kanye West closes Lollapalooza 2008; dedicates set to his late mother. [MTV]

Ne-Yo’s “Kiss a Little Longer” jingle for Wrigley’s Big Red. [Listen]

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Nelly named spokesman for Sean John Underwear. [Press Release]

Amy Winehouse hospitalized due to a reaction to medication. [PEOPLE]

Chris Brown creates jingle for Doublemint Gum; Ne-Yo for Big Red. [Billboard]

Solange takes up video blogging. [Watch]

More details surface on Rick Ross’ previous gig as a correctional officer.
[The Smoking Gun]

Lovers/friends Chris Brown and Rihanna go jet-skiing. [TMZ]

Dr. Dre “shooting for a November or December release” with his highly anticipated Detox album; collaborating with Nas, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne.
[USA Today]

Nas’ untitled album sells 187,000 copies and grabs the No. 1 spot from Lil Wayne. [Billboard]

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Alicia Keys to record title song for new James Bond movie Quantum of Solace? [E! Online]

Chris Brown to star in Bone Deep thriller alongside Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, and T.I. [THR]

Former Roc-A-Fella princess Teairra Mari signs with Interscope Records; new album late 2008/early 2009. [Billboard]

Chamillionaire releases freestyle over Nas’ “Hero” beat from his forthcoming Mixtape Messiah 4 (August 27). [Listen]

Trina to shoot video for third single “Look Back at Me” featuring Killer Mike in Miami on Monday. [Rap-Up.com]

Ashanti’s The Declaration debuts at No. 6 on The Billboard 200 with 86,000 copies. [Billboard].

Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III expected to sell between 850,000 and 950,000 by the end of its first week. Damn. [EW].

R. Kelly won’t testify at trial. [Chicago Sun-Times].

Judge orders 50 Cent to hold on to burned down property where his ex-girlfriend lived. [AP].

Alicia Keys shoots video for fourth single “Superwoman” with director Chris Robinson. [MTV].

LL Cool J’s Exit 13 and Lloyd’s Lessons in Love both pushed back again to August 5th. [Rap-Up.com].

Listen to the remix to Fat Joe’s “Ain’t Sayin’ Nuthin’” with The Game and Lil Wayne.

T.I. jumps on the remix to Mariah Carey’s third single “I’ll Be Lovin’ U Long Time”; video being shot in Hawaii. Source.

Foxy Brown and Rick Ross become hip-hop’s latest couple. More.

Watch the EPK for Keri Hilson’s debut album In a Perfect World…

See Ashanti perform “The Way That I Love You” on “Live with Regis & Kelly.”

50 Cent developing hip-hop “Apprentice” show for MTV; Diddy looking for the next rock band. Full story.

R. Kelly case adjourned after defense receives call from mystery man. More.

Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” is No. 1 for the third week. Full story.

Watch Wale’s new video for “W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.”

MTV goes back to the music with “F’N MTV” including performances and video premieres from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and the Pussycat Dolls. Details.

Bun B’s II Trill debuts at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 with 98,000 copies.

Slick Rick granted pardon. Full story.

Woman arrested after allegedly shouting “Free R. Kelly” to jury. Details.

Watch J.D. on the set of “Stepped on My J’z” with Nelly and Ciara.

Bow Wow says he wants to be “the next Will Smith.” Umm… Didn’t he once diss Will?

New albums from Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Black Eyed Peas due in the fourth-quarter. More.

Kanye West, Common, and Method Man sued over jazz sample. Find out why.