Titus “Baatin” Glover, a founding member of hip-hop group Slum Village, has died at the age of 35.


Tim Maynor, tour manager for Slum Village, confirmed his death to MLive.com on Saturday. A cause of death is currently unknown.

News of Baatin’s passing spread online over the weekend. On Twitter, artists like Solange and ?uestlove of The Roots mourned the Detroit rapper.

“Ive never tried to start a trending topic before…but it would just sadden me too much that artist that moved me in such a way dont get the recognition they deserve,” wrote Solange.

“Most of you won’t understand but this dude’s music moved me man,” added ?uestlove.

Baatin, along with T3 and the late J Dilla, were founding members of Slum Village. The original trio released two albums together, 1997’s Fan-Tas-Tic, Vol. 1 and 2000’s Fantastic, Vol. 2. They scored one of their bigger hits with “Tainted” featuring Dwele.

Party planner Anthony, who also goes by the names Tony Shorter and Tyson, called in to the show this morning to speak with Ryan to clear the air about his much-publicized bitch fight with “fashion designer” Sheree Whitfield from last night’s premiere of


LISTEN: Anthony Calls into Frank & Wanda Morning Show

Check out the clip of the argument below:


Here is a letter that Anthony wrote to our friends over @ Sandra Rose

Hi Sandra,

I am reaching out trying to get the facts straight. First, I am not GAY! Married with children, and love PUSSY.

Second, I was never hired by Sheree or Bravo to do a party. This event was for the Atlanta Music Festival, and the producer’s ask me to modify the event to be included in an episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, entitled Sheree’s Divorce Party.

I also consider myself to be a professional with a long standing resume. But, unless you have work with Sheree or had any dealings with her you wouldn’t understand, where I am coming from.

Thank you,

Anthony

BET 106 & Park resident host Rocsi opened up to the audience yesterday about her battle with anorexia and almost killing herself.

Leona Lewis has won talent competitions, topped the charts worldwide, and been nominated for three Grammys, and she’s setting out to do it all again.


The winner of Britain’s “X Factor” has been in the studio with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Tedder, and John Shanks (Miley Cyrus, Ashlee Simpson), crafting the follow-up to her platinum debut album Spirit, which spawned the hit singles “Bleeding Love” and “Better in Time.” One of the contributors, Novel, spoke exclusively with Rap-Up.com about the project.

“She knows exactly what she wants,” says the multi-talented producer, who helmed “Whatever It Takes” on Leona’s breakthrough album. “She’s very strong-headed, strong-minded, but the sweetest person. I never had somebody tell me no in the nicest way. When I write something and she may not feel it, she goes [in British accent], ‘I don’t think I’d actually say that.’”

The 24-year-old songstress aims for perfection, but always keeps her cool. “She’s very calm, collected, and has swagger in a very ladylike way,” Novel discloses. “She’s one of those people that’s very particular with what she wants vocally. I don’t care how many times she does a song, if she ain’t feeling something, she’s gonna go back and sing it again. She don’t give a f**k. She’ll call you right before the song’s being mixed like, ‘I think I want to sing it again.’ And it’ll be like, ‘C’mon, you’re killing me!’”

Novel shared details on the two tracks he produced. “[John Shanks and I] did one that was an uptempo and one that was kind of a ballad that I think everybody likes a lot,” reveals the musician, whose new mixtape Suspended Animation can be downloaded here. “It’s a very heartfelt song and just talks about love and heartbreak. It’s a strong record.”

The new album will once again showcase Leona’s powerful vocals that have drawn comparisons to Mariah Carey. “The record that we did was more vocally-driven. She’s really going all out singing-wise on this one. It’s more guitar-driven from what I’ve heard, so more pop/alternative, far from urban. It’s gonna be a crazy album.”

Leona Lewis’ sophomore album is due out this fall.

sic Festival” at the Susquehanna Bank Center when he attempted to spin while moving across the stage. He immediately collapsed to the floor as a result of an existing knee injury.

After Drake was carried offstage, a confused Lil Wayne reportedly told the crowd, “Damn, I knew that ni**a’s knee was bad, but I didn’t know it was that bad! I thought he was just in a wheelchair on TV.”

Drake injured his ACL prior to the tour and was limiting his set to 30 minutes. He decided to join the outing despite his doctor’s recommendation. A torn ACL can cause significant pain and take up to a year to heal.

“It’s too much of a risk if I hit that wrong turn [doing] 30 minutes every night,” Drake told MTV News prior to the tour. “If I tear my ACL again, the doctors say I might not be able to walk again. I have to be cautious.”

Mariah Carey is putting her chips down on a series of Las Vegas shows starting in September.


The “Obsessed” singer will hit Sin City for what are being called “the most intimate shows of her career.” The special engagements will take place at The Pearl Theater at the Palms Resort & Casino on Friday, September 11; Saturday, September 12; Friday, October 9; and Saturday, October 10, 2009. Each performance will commence at 8 p.m.

The Vegas concerts will coincide with the release of Mariah’s 12th studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, due September 15.

Tickets for the shows go on sale Saturday, August 8, at 12 p.m. at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.

Check out this tribute to Michael Jackson that about 300 dancers did in STOCKHOLM. I love this, I really believe every city should do this. The best part is when they walk off like nothing happened. Amazing!!!!! R.I.P MJ

I am SO ready. Fox Reality Channel is kicking off a new show August 15th that is clearly a remixed swagger jacking of Bravo’s “Real Housewives” franchise. It’s called “Househusbands Of Hollywood”. It features five stay-at-home men who run the house while their wives head to work.

The cast of characters: L.A. Dodger Billy Ashley; aspiring actor Danny Barclay; former “A Different World” star Darryl M. Bell, who’s married to “Cosby Show” actress Tempestt Bledsoe (”Ron“); one-time “Gentleman Bandit” star Charlie Mattera, and Grant Reynolds, husband of “Good Day LA” anchor Jillian Reynolds.

Bledsoe says that she and Bell were hesitant about their role on the show, since they’re not married and have no children, but she was persuaded because of the message the show was trying to convey:

“It’s a good time to look at these men for who they really are. For a man to stay at home and take care of his child, that is the most difficult job that there is, and I think it’s time to give them credit for doing that.

As So You Think You Can Dance moves into the home stretch with the top six dancers taking the stage Wednesday, judge Lil C said before the show, “it’s all about preference now,” implying that fans have their favorites picked out.
“They’ve got to bring personality out now,” Nigel said, because the dancing has been of an “equal standard [and someone needs] to come through and standout!”

Well, someone did. Realizing that it’s never too late to shine even brighter, Brandon stole the show with a jaw-dropping solo. Midway through the episode, dawning nothing but muscles and short shorts, he utilized the passion and power of Carmina Burana to give a memorable one-man piece that not only garnered a standing ovation from all three judges but had Nigel calling it “one of the best solos we’ve ever seen on the show!”

But he didn’t stop there, also nailing a challenging and emotional contemporary piece by SYTYCD Canada’s Stacey Tookey with new partner Kayla. Lil C called him a “formidable” partner while Nigel expressed sadness that thee pair had only come together just now. A flashy disco number by Doriana Sanchez got even more love for them — so much so that a normally tame Nigel jumped out of his seat afterwards, dancing around the audience and cheering, “this is what this show is all about!”
Jeanine drew Ade out of the hat and they got a sexy samba from Louis Van Amstel for their first routine, but what should have been the hottest pairing since fish and chips, it didn’t win the judges over. Their hip-hop number choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon was thankfully much better — with resident hip-hop expert Lil C handing them a signature “buck!” and Nigel telling them, “You got down!”

Melissa and Evan performed a Tyce Diorio Broadway routine that kicked things off in his style. While Nigel said it “wasn’t that demanding technically,” he did admit that it brought a lot of that much-needed personality to the table. Sadly, their quick step sadly fell apart somewhere in the middle and lost energy, according to the judges. But again Evan got back some points (as usual) with another fun solo this time set to “The Lady is a Tramp” by Sammy Davis Jr.
After last week’s shocking elimination of judges’ favorite Janette — thanks to an incredible and inspiring Tyce Diorio piece by Ade and Melissa — fans were left with some tough decisions.

Jeremih pokes fun at himself in the comedic video for “Imma Star (Everywhere We Are),” the second single off his self-titled debut album. The clip was directed by Marc Klasfeld (Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child).

Gabrielle Union attends The Hit the Road TXT L8TR Campaign Event at Nobu on July 29, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.


Queen Latifah gets in gear Tuesday with a leisurely bike ride through New York's Central Park while filming her latest flick, Just Wright. Terminator Salvation star Common also stars in the romantic comedy.


Jessica Simpson shimmers in West Hollywood, Calif., Monday night during a party for An-Ya, an artist on dad Joe Simpson's record label. The newly-single Simpson has stayed strong throughout her breakup from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, reportedly relishing in girls' nights and family time.


Mandy Moore, Camila Alves, Ciara, and Rachel Bilson attend the Express TXT L8TER Denim Campaign launch at Nobu in Los Angeles.




With her hat in hand, Jennifer Aniston dresses the part of the girl-next-door as shooting continues Wednesday on the New York City set of The Bounty.


Kim Kardashian multitasks, chatting on the phone while strolling through N.Y.C. on Wednesday, just days after announcing her breakup from New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush. Friends of the reality starlet say the "strong woman" will be okay.


Halle Berry and her colorful cutie, 16-month-old daughter Nahla Ariela, head out Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, where they reportedly visited with a friend.


“Real Housewives” of Atlanta has a premiere party.


Ryan Leslie performs at Power Live at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City.


Lyfe Jennings and LeToya Luckett perform at Power Live at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City.

After a demo for Detox hit the Internet earlier this month, there was rampant speculation that Ludacris was ghostwriting for Dr. Dre. Luda goes on the record to address the rumors.


“It was for Dre. I wrote it for Dre,” Luda tells Rap-Up.com of the leaked song “O.G.’s Theme,” which finds him rapping, “Ain’t no ni**a better than Doc Dre, I’m a 20-year veteran.”

Ludacris confirms that the reference track was intended for the West Coast rap pioneer’s highly-anticipated new album, but he’s not sure what will become of it now. “It was supposed to be for Detox, but I don’t know since it got leaked. I don’t know if it’s gonna get used.”

He admits to writing more than one record for Detox, tentatively scheduled for release by the end of the year. “I wrote a couple records and that was one of them.”

Listen to “O.G.’s Theme” below.

Chrisette Michele was the envy of women everywhere when she received a special surprise from Maxwell.


The Grammy winner was taken aback after a dozen white roses showed up on her tour bus on the first date of Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night tour.

“I peed in my pants, figuratively speaking,” Chrisette tells Rap-Up.com after receiving the welcome gift from her tourmate. “I’m envious of myself right now. I’m like, ‘Chrisette, do not ruin this.’”

There was a note included with the flowers, but she’s keeping its contents to herself. “I can’t be giving away all the juices!”

Chrisette is pinching herself over the opportunity to tour with the soul crooner. “In-freaking-credible. Maxwell’s show is out of control. It’s bananas, unfair!” she exclaims. “I feel so privileged and honored to even be on the same stage as him. He’s been so warm and so welcoming and so kind towards me that I’m in heaven right now. Soul music is really back.”

Chrisette Michele receives roses from Maxwell.

Beyoncé’s wack wax statue was put on display at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Hollywood on Wednesday. Madame T. might want to send this one back to the shop for some retouching.

Check out Beyonce's latest promotional shot for her and her mother's 'Dereon' clothing line. This particular campaign is for their new 'Sasha Fierce Is Dereon' range.

Say what you will about the clothes, but Beyonce looks great here.

Since the tragic passing of the King of Pop Michael Jackson last month, I have made a particularly conscious effort to not indulge in the media circus and exploitation of what is a very sad situation. For this reason, the rumour of Michael having an unknown child wasn't reported here.

However, in an interview with NewsOne, the ever-controversial Joe Jackson revealed that the child (now a man) in question is in fact Michael's biological son!

Snoop Dogg performs in concert at Stubb's Bar-B-Q on July 28, 2009 in Austin, Texas

Breaking news! In the latest Rihanna sighting, RiRi was spotted sucking a Sugar Factory Couture Lollipop with good friend Katy Perry at an after-party for Perry’s show in New York City on Tuesday. It’s official: the lollipop is fall’s must-have accessory.




Rihanna had the paps in a frenzy while dining at Downtown Cipriani in Manhattan on Tuesday. Check out those nails!!!!!

Jennifer Lopez turned 40 on Friday, an occasion she marked with a dinner party at Greenwich Village's Hotel Griffou. Not that the festivities were contained to that event alone – given the blowout bash thrown Saturday night by husband Marc Anthony at midtown Manhattan's Edison Ballroom.

The party, dubbed "An Evening For Lola" – a nod to Anthony's nickname for his wife – was attended by sister Lynda, mom Guadelupe, manager Benny Medina, as well as BFF Leah Remini. Other guests included Liza Minnelli, Gayle King, Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin, New York Mets player Carlos Beltran and music mogul LA Reid.

Lopez, who arrived with Anthony in a Bentley, donned a Grecian-inspired gown. Before entering the soiree she met with fans standing behind barricades across the street, which had been closed to traffic.

"Jen was in an amazing mood and was just so excited about seeing all the fans [and] the marquee outside the Edison that said, 'An Evening For Lola.' She was really energized," says a source, adding: "Jennifer was the belle of the ball. She was glowing, and just radiating happiness. She really had a great time."

When it came to the party, "It was a glamorous setting, with white flowers around. Very classy. Everyone had a really good time, and it was a nice mix of her family, business associates and her friends."

As for Lopez and her husband, the source says, "They were affectionate with each other and obviously loving the night. Marc's arm was around Jennifer a lot, they'd give each other pecks on the face every now and then. She was clearly pleased with how the night went."

Here is the "exclusive" party that everyone Twittered about last night that Carmelo Anthony, Rob Dyrdek, and Ludacris launched TAG Signature Series, a new line of celebrity-inspired body sprays, with a chic rooftop bash held poolside at The London West Hollywood on Tuesday. Ciara, Teairra Mari, La La Vazquez, and Electrik Red were among those “smelling the good life.” Guests sipped on mojitos and vodka Greyhounds, while Joel Madden and DJ Reflex provided the evening’s soundtrack.

“My [scent's] slogan is Get Yours, so it’s all about hustlin’ and doing what you have to do, especially during a recession,” Luda tells Rap-Up.com. “You gotta get yours through all means—hard work, dedication, persistence, all of that.”