Jay Z
In Tuesday’s run down as to what is going on in the Hip-Hop/R&B world we check out who won at the BET awards on Sunday night, Former Big Brother housemate Coolio heads to rehab, Drake allegedly signs with Cash Money/Universal and man arrested for nuisance 911 calls in Florida.
BET Winners
As promised yesterday, here are the winners of this years BET awards. The event which was held in Los Angeles on Sunday night was overshadowed by the sudden loss of Michael Jackson on Thursday evening.
Various stars were in attendance to pay tribute to the King of Pop such as Jay Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, Keyshia Cole, Beyonce and more. Present at the awards show was Michael’s younger sister Janet and his father.
Best Male R&B - Ne-Yo
Best Female R&B Artist - Beyoncé Knowles
Best Group - Day26
Best Gospel Artist - Mary Mary
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist - M.I.A.
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist - Lil Wayne
Best New Artist - Keri Hilson
Best Collaboration - Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain – Blame It
Video Director of the Year - Benny Boom
Video of the Year - Beyoncé Knowles – Single Ladies
Best Actress - Taraji P. Henson (Winner)
Best Actor - Will Smith
Best Female Athlete - Serena Williams
Best Male Athlete - LeBron James
Viewer’s Choice Nominees - T.I. - Live Your Life (f/ Rihanna)
BET J Award Nominees - Jazmine Sullivan
Special Honorees: Humanitarians of the Year - Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean
Lifetime Achievement Award - The O’Jays
Coolio Pleads Guilty
After being caught trying to board a plane out of Los Angeles airport LAX last month in possession of cocaine, rapper Coolio pleaded guilty to charges on Friday.
Admitting to the charge obviously helped the former Celeb Big Brother UK star as he avoided jail time and will, instead, complete an 18 month drug rehabilitation program under the guidance of the courts.
Coolio was also charged for resisting arrest after the drugs were uncovered.
Drake sings with Cash Money
Having been co-signed by Lil Wayne and being a member of his Young Money consortium it can’t come as any surprise that the Toronto based rapper has finally signed a record deal with Universal/ Cash Money.
Various labels were interested in securing the young lyricist to their roster but after various negotiations Universal and Cash Money/Young Money came out on top to win the bidding war.
Drake who will now release his debut album Thank Me Later through the powerhouse. Talking to MTV news Drake said "Today is a definitely a comfortable day for me, having my team now that's been in place for a couple of years. It's just a great day."
Florida Man Arrested
A 20 year old Florida man was arrested by cops after calling 911 and requesting a helicopter and police escort to bring him to meet up with Lil Wayne in Miami.
Michael Kruse was charged by authorities for making calls which may have prevented police and other human services from getting to those that really need the assistance.
Melanie Cornish