In your Monday Rap sheet hot from the States Catch up on the latest from LL Cool J, find out about Fifty's love affair with the UK, TI and his movie company and what Russell Simmons has to say on being accused of being gay.

LL COOL J
LL Cool J has had to cancel all Summer tour plans due to a family problem it was announced over the weekend. As the first ever artist to sign with Def Jam back in 1984, LL born Todd Smith will be missing out on the Annual Red Stripe Reggae Fest which takes place during July in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He will also be missing the Essence Music Festival which takes place in New Orleans this year, for the first time since Hurricane Katrina ravished the city in 2005.
Fifty Shows love to the UK
With a one off show planned for his English fan base, Curtis Jackson AKA 50 Cent will be allowing the audience a listen to his new album.The show which will take place on July 2nd at the Hammersmith Apollo will continue promotions for his new album Curtis which has just recently been pushed back to September due to a lack of interest in the first two singles released from the forthcoming project.This is the rappers third solo album and is expected to put out a Best Of album in the New Year to tie up his contract with Interscope.
TI sets up own movie company
Atlanta rapper TI who drops his new album TI vs TIP this Summer is set to be taking his creativity to the silver screen, setting up his own movie company, Grand Hustle Films.

The first project from this division of the rapper born Clifford Harris' Grand Hustle company is Once Was Lost will feature TI and Hollywood icon Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon). TI played a major role in last years urban hit ATL and has a role in the new ridley Scott movie American Gangster featuring Denzel Washington.

He picked up two awards at this years Grammies including Best Rap Song of the Year for What you know about that.

The Brits love the wet weather
Well it should come as no surprise that Rhianna burst into the Top 40 this week with her new album Good Girl Gone Bad and sat herself in the number one spot. Her single Umbrella has been number one here in the UK for the last four weeks.

This is the Barbados born singers third album signed to Def Jam in only two years. She shot to fame with her single Pon Da Replay during the Summer of 2005.

Def Jam founder denies rumors
Russell Simmons has spoken out about rumors insinuating that he was gay.

The subject was discussed in an interview with US newspaper, The Dallas Voice after up and coming gay rapper Cashun declared Mr Simmons gay.

The alleged accusation came after the rapper had come into possession of the Phat Farm owners Blackberry and divulged she had read 'steamy' e mails between the CEO and another male.

Mr. Simmons response to the accusations were "Listen, I'm not gay," he said. "If I was, I would have the gift of another burden, and I would probably be instantly out. I fight for gay rights all the time. How about that?"

Melanie J Cornish