Tempah Overjoyed By Brit Award Nominations
Rapper Tinie Tempah has spoken of his joy after receiving four Brit Awards nominations, calling the achievement "out of this world".
The 22 year old has been shortlisted for British Breakthrough Act, Male Solo Artist, British Single for Pass Out and Album of the Year for Disc-Overy.
The hip-hop star was stunned to hear he had topped the nominations list on Thursday (13Jan11), and he is hoping for success at the London ceremony next month (Feb11).
He tells BBC's Newsbeat, "Oh man it's crazy, after I heard all the good news it's like wow. It's out of this world. I couldn't ask for anything more. It's pretty exciting to be one of the most nominated people, I've always wanted to win a Brit so fingers crossed."
The rapper has also revealed he will be performing with another star at the show - but he's remaining tight-lipped about his collaboration partner: "Expect the unexpected. I gotta keep it a secret!"
G. Dep 'Relieved' After Alleged Shooting Confession
Former Bad Boy Records rapper G. Dep is "relieved" after allegedly confessing to a 1993 shooting, according to his lawyer.
The hip-hop star, real name Trevell Coleman, walked into a police station last month (Dec10) and allegedly admitted gunning down John Henkel during a robbery in East Harlem, New York City, when he was a teenager.
On Thursday (13Jan11), Coleman, who is being held without bail, pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and manslaughter.
Coleman faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on a second-degree murder charge, but the rapper's attorney insists his client doesn't regret his decision to turn himself in.
Anthony L. Ricco tells the Associated Press, "He had been haunted by this... I get the sense that he's relieved. We have some people who say, 'Well, he was stupid for confessing.' On the other hand, there are a lot of people in life who say it's the first step toward redemption."
Coleman is due back in court on 10 February (11).
Professor Green's Attacker Jailed
The thug who stabbed U.K. rapper Professor Green in the neck was jailed for eight years on Thursday (13Jan11).
Anthony Jones, 26, slashed the hip-hop star with a broken bottle during a scuffle at London's Cargo nightclub in 2009.
The I Need You Tonight hitmaker - real name Stephen Manderson - feared he was dying as blood gushed from a six-inch wound, and even phoned his family to say goodbye.
Jones, who has previous convictions for carrying knives, denied wounding with intent but was convicted in October (10) and he has now been sentenced to eight years behind bars.
Rhymefest Ruled Eligible For Chicago Council Elections
Kanye West's rap pal Rhymefest has successfully overcome a challenge to his political bid for office in his native Chicago, Illinois after questions were raised about his residency eligibility.
The hip-hop star, real name Che Smith, formally entered the race to become an alderman for the 20th Ward at the Chicago City Council in October (10) and he has been busy campaigning ahead of the 22 February (11) elections.
His political dreams hit a stumbling block recently when opponents claimed he did not meet the residency requirements necessary to become a member of the council, but the issue was rejected by officials at the local Board of Elections earlier this week (begs10Jan11), clearing Rhymefest to be included on the ballot.
Celebrating the ruling, he writes on Twitter.com, "After all my opponents have attempted to do in the name of politics like challenging my name on the ballot we continue (to) overcome."
Rhymefest's chances of victory in the elections are looking up - he has received backing from influential members of the Chicago community, including an endorsement from the members of the Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization, and from noted Princeton University professor Cornel West.
Tagged in Tinie Tempah