VIDEO: NIGERIAN MUSICIAN 9ICE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY AT ORIENTAL HOTELS LEKKI

Abolore Adegbola Akande aka 9ice celebrated his birthday last week at the Oriental Hotels Lekki, Lagos, and Purpleworld Entertainment has the video.

It was an ebullient event which had a good number of other celebrities and artistes in attendance.

Tiwa Savage, Damilola Purple, WizKid, Vector, Lord of Ajasa serenaded the audience.

The celebrant was not left out in the performance as they all thrilled the crowd and had them asking for more.

NICKI MINAJ BREAKS VEVO RECORDS WITH 'STUPID HOE' VIDEO

The Harajuku Barbie racks up the highest ever first-day views with her Hype Williams-directed visuals.

Nicki Minaj has broken a Vevo record for racking up the highest single video views within the first 24 hours of release.

The Harajuku Barbie, who dropped her Hype Williams-directed “Stupid Hoe” visuals on January 20th, accrued 4.8 million views during its first day of release. Vevo confirmed with Digital Spy that she has broken the record.

Nicki is currently gearing up for the release of her sophomore album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, set for an April 3rd release.
 

ASHTON KUTCHER PARTIES ON AFTER DEMI's 911 EMERGENCY

Ashton Kutcher's style wasn't cramped at all in the wake of Demi Moore's health crisis -- he was partying Tuesday in Sao Paulo, Brazil at a Bruno Mars concert and a nightclub.

We put a call in yesterday to Ashton's rep for comment on Demi's situation, but so far ... radio silence.

COMMON EXPLAIN WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO END BEEF WITH DRAKE

Common is asked about Drake beef and shares his take on emceeing. "If you put me in the ring with anybody on the mic, I'ma destroy them."

While it has been weeks since Common and Drake have mentioned one another in rhyme form, they are still asked about their feud. Recently, Common was asked how this feud could end. He took the opportunity to shed light on why the rhyme battle began, saying that he's prepared to "destroy," but adding that he doesn't dislike Drake personally.

"I really honestly don't know how things will end," he shared in an interview with Bossip. "I just want to put out there that it's not a thing where I don't like him as a human being or like I got something against him personally. That's not what it is. You dissed me on record. I know you felt a certain way about certain things so if you dissed me so I had to say what I had to say. If you come at me, I'ma fight until the end. I'm not talking about physical. I'm talking about emceeing."

Com also added that he isn't just confident in a battle with Drake. Instead, Com noted that he feels he can stand toe-to-toe with any emcee in a rhyme bout.

"I feel like if you put me in the ring with anybody on the mic, I'ma destroy them. I don't care who it is. That's how I feel. At the end of the day, that's how every emcee should feel."

TYGA SPEAKS ON COLLABORATIONS WITH NAS & NICKI MINAJ

The YMCMB rapper explains how his duets with Esco and Nicki came to be.

Tyga is currently gearing up for the release of his new album Careless World: Rise of the Last King, which is set for a February 21st release. During an interview with XXLMag.com, he reflected on collaborating with Nas and Nicki Minaj for the LP and how the duets came to be.

Tyga first spoke on collaborating with Esco for “Kings and Queens,” which also features Wale.

“Yeah man, I sent Nas a song like six months ago and I never heard back from him but out of the blue, he called me like, ‘Yo, you doing your thing. I want to be a part of what you doing, I like everything you doing. Keep working hard,” he said. “I sent him the ‘Kings and Queens’ that night and he did it the next day. I was like, that shit is crazy. Nas always talks that shit. The song, man, [his bars] added the cherry on top. It’s a real classic song. People are gonna like it. I wanna think of a dope video. The storyline of the song, the whole King and Queens [theme], it’s motivational.”

He also touched on the song “Muthafucka Up,” which features his YMCMB peer Nicki Minaj. “The song for Nicki is called ‘Muthafucka Up,’” he said. “I don’t know what they gonna call it on the radio. Maybe they might call it ‘Up.’ That one is one of them going in type songs. Like how Wayne had ‘A Milli.’ One of those Young Money records that people love. We got a crazy visual for that one, too. I don’t wanna give it away. I’ve been doing a lot of features for everyone.”

HAVE A LOOK AT THE PHOTO SHE TWEETED, RIHANNA'S NEW TATTOO

Titled as 'Thug Life ' has been tattooed on none other than RihannaRihanna's knuckles after she took inspiration from Tupac who also had the same tattoo sprawled across his stomach.

The Only Girl In The World star then tweeted these pictures of herself with her fists clenched to show off the pale pink etching.She captioned:

'♫ All these b****es screaming that 2pac back ♫ #THUGLIFE.'

Last September, Rihanna was seen from the balcony of her hotel in Brazil with writing on her hands in a pink Sharpie pen.

She was was also seen hanging out with Machete actor Danny Trejo at the parlour. Later on she posed with her tattoo artist.

The 23-year-oldactress is a huge fan of tattoo as it is clear from the fact that she has already 14 to 15 tattooes scribbled on her skin including a music note on her ankle, a Pisces sign behind her right ear, the word 'love' on her left middle finger and a trail of stars on the back of her neck.

DIDDY TO LUNCH MUSIC TV NETWORK REVOLT ON DECEMBER 12TH

Puffy plans to venture into music television by the end of the year.

From vodka entrepreneur to professional actor, Diddy has never been one to shy away from the chance to expand his brand. Now, the Bad Boy mogul is looking to branch into a new frontier with a music-themed television network Revolt.

According to Broadcasting Cable, Diddy is launching a new television network called Revolt on December 12, 2012. Sources indicate that Revolt will focus primarily on music and music videos, a la MTV.

Although there are few details about the kind of distributiong the network will receive, Revolt will reportedly be distributed by Comcast and Time Warner Cable service providers.

Purpleworld Entertainment will keep you updated as more information on Diddy's new network comes to light.

PHOTO: THIS IS HOW NE-YO LOOKS LIKE WITHOUT HIS CAP

Lol... i cant wait to see Banky W's head... lmao

2FACE IDIBIA SIGNS HIS FIRST OFFICIAL ARTISTE, DAMMY KRANE, TO HYPERTEK RECORDS

Dammy Krane, who recently turned 18, officially becomes the first act under the revamped and re-energized Hypertek Records imprint.

Details of the contract terms are still unknown but from all indications, it's a long-term project. Hopefully this is a sign of bigger and better things to come for the young man.

Dammy Krane signing the Contract. Expect new singles from Dammy Krane soon. Congrats Dammy!!!

NOLLYWOOD TOP ACTOR SAM DEDE BECOMES DIRECTOR GENERAL RIVERS STATE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Nollywood Actor and University Lecturer Sam Dede is now holding a new portfolio in Rivers State Government.

Rising from its third Executive Council meeting, the Rivers State Executive Council announced the reconstitution of the boards of some parastatals in the State which included the appointment of Sam Dede as the new Director General Rivers State Tourism Development Agency with the former Emohua Local Government Chairman Chief Emeka Woke as Chairman of the agency.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications,Mrs. Ibim Semenitari made the disclosure while briefing Government House correspondents on Wednesday 18th January 2012 in Port Harcourt,after the Executive Council Meeting.

The appointment of Prof. Augustine Ahiazu,a former Vice Chancellor of the State University of Science and Technology as the new Chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission(RSIEC),was also announced following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Nimi Briggs led Commission.

Also,the State Executive Council announced the appointment of Mrs. Onene Osila Obele Oshoka as the new Chairman of the State Board of Internal Revenue.

Others boards affected include the State Sports Council with a new Director,Sir Daubo Harry,while the board of the State Traffic Management Agency(TMARIV) is to be chaired by Chief Ibe Eresia Eke.

TOP GOSPEL SINGER KEFEE MOVES INTO HOSPITALITY BUSINESS

Top Gospel singer,Kefee has joined the league of Showbiz Stars who have moved into other lucrative businesses,as she is set to open her own restaurant.

The continental restaurant situated at Mende Maryland, Lagos is called Branama Kitchen.

It will be officially opened February 5th 2012.

Congrat Kefee

2FACE OPENS UP ON HIS RATHER COMPLICATED LOVE LIFE + POCKET OVER A MILLION DOLLAR FOR HIS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH AIRTEL

Celebrated African pop singer 2face Idibia is arguably one of the most popular artistes on the African music scene. 2baba came into African limelight when he released his hit song, African Queen and ever since then, he has been a sought after musician.

Tuface is unmarried with 5 children from different women, ranging from Sunmbo Ajaba (two boys) to Pero Adeniyi (a boy and a girl) and Annie Macaulay (a girl).

In a recent interview with EE, 2face opened up on his rather complicated love life.

"I didn't get this from my father. My father is not a womaniser. That I know. I have never caught my father with another woman. He is very faithful to my mother. I am also not a womanizer. Yes it happens that I have more women in my life. It is the price I have to pay for being a star. I didn't plan to have more than one woman in my life. I didn't plan my life to be the way it is now but no regrets. I love my kids. Right now, I have three women in my life who have five kids for me (and expecting a 6th one) and I sincerely don't know how I'm able to cope with three women. Fela had over two dozen wives but I'm not Fela. I can never be another Fela. I have three women but I'm saying a big NO to Fela's kind of polygamy. I don't even know what these women see me (Oh yeah, Tuface? lol). I used to look into the mirror sometimes and wonder it is that they see in me."

In a related news,we gathered that the talented musician was paid over a million dollar for his endorsement deal with Airtel,one of the three top communications companies in Nigeria.

MARC ANTHONY REPLACES JENNIFER LOPEZ TATTOO WITH 'FREEDOM' TRIBUTE TO SHANNON DE LIMA

Marc Anthony is following celebrities like Johnny Depp in covering up a tattoo he got during his marriage with a new one now that he and Jennifer Lopez are divorcing. But while Depp’s “Wino Forever” is a tattoo gaffe that people still laugh about, it sounds as if Marc managed a more graceful transition: He covered the “Jennifer” on his right wrist (pictured) with a State of Liberty for new girlfriend Shannon De Lima.

“State of Liberty” is apparently Marc’s pet name for Shannon, since she’s “freed” him from his past relationships. Marc first announced that he was dating Shannon in the first week of January; the tattoo session happened over New Year’s Eve in Miami. In addition, Marc and daughter Ariana (from a relationship with an NYC police officer named Debbie Rosado) got matching tattoos on their outer wrists. It isn’t clear what the tattoo says, though it’s probably a line of text, judging from the photos:

TRACY MORGAN READY TO RETURN TO WORK ON "30 ROCK"

Tracy Morgan has been released from a hospital after collapsing during the Sundance Film Festival, and he says he'll be back at work Tuesday.

The comedian's rep said Morgan left Monday after treatment for exhaustion and altitude illness at the Park City Medical Center. He  was taken there Sunday night  after he collapsed at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where the elevation is 7,000 feet.

Morgan confirmed the news on Twitter and added, "Gotta thank the AMAZING medical staff and all my supporters! Love you." The New York native was in good spirits and happy about the New York Giants win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. "#GOgiants," he tweeted.

Morgan posted a comment Monday that the high altitude "shook up this kid from Brooklyn."

Ron Nyswaner, co-director of the Sundance film "Predisposed," in which the actor stars, said Morgan's collapse resulted from "altitude sickness combined with his diabetes. And he hadn't eaten. He hadn't had enough water."

Hospital officials reported no drugs or alcohol were found in Morgan's system, according to Morgan's publicist. Morgan had been attending an event for the Creative Coalition at which he had just received an award.

DMX TO RELEASE TWO ALBUMS OF UNRELEASED MUSI IN 2012

Dark Man X's previously announced LP "Undisputed" will actually be an album's worth of unreleased material. DMX is set to release two albums of unreleased material in 2012.

According to a press release from RTTNews.com (via HHNM), Seven Arts Entertainment Inc. has purchased David Michery’s music assets. Under the agreement, Seven Arts will release the previously announced Undisputed, one of the two albums acquired, during the second quarter of 2012 through Fontana Distribution. Following the acquisition, Michery will be appointed CEO of Seven Arts Music.

DMXd previously announced Undisputed’s release date as March 26th, though it is unclear if that date still stands.

FRENCH MONTANA REVEALS WHY HE DIDN'T SIGN WITH KANYE WEST

French says that 'Ye's lack of a phone was the reason he didn't join G.O.O.D. Music.

French Montana recently announced that he signed with Diddy's Bad Boy Records after hinting that he was signing with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music. Though he's remained mum about why he didn't contract with Yeezy, French spoke with Hot 97's Angie Martinez and finally revealed the reason why he snubbed 'Ye.

"I met up with him one time and then I met up with him again. There were things that I was used to ’cause I was already moving. I’m like a money train," he said. "Kanye doesn’t have a phone. If you need to get in contact with Kanye, you have to email him. You can’t tell me how to do that. I don’t know how to use an email, so I guess me and you is never gonna talk. And I’ma put my career in your hands? He’s definitely talented and I felt like if I went there, we would have definitely made history."

Instead, French signed with Bad Boy Records, with plans to drop his LP in the forthcoming months. For French, the choice was clear based on what Diddy could offer. "When I met up with Puff, everything he promised me came through. And Rozay was definitely there for me too," he said.

NE-YO LEAVES DEF JAM, SIGNS WITH MOTOWN AS ARTIST AND SENIOR VP OF A & R

The smooth crooner moves his Compound Entertainment imprint to Motown.

Ne-Yo has announced that he is parting ways with Def Jam and moving to Motown Records, where he will also serve as senior VP of A&R.

According to Billboard.biz, the smooth crooner is bringing his Compound Entertainment imprint to the label. He will serve as a producer and mentor to Motown artists and discover and sign new talent.

"I'm honored that I¹ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson -- these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it,” said Ne-Yo.

"His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark," added Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss. "But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012."

MARY J. BLIGE EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT OVER OSCAR SNUB

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul is saddened by the Academy's decision.

Though Mary J. Blige has garnered numerous awards and accolades for her music, she will not be adding an Oscar to her collection in 2012.

Mary J. Blige, along with Madonna and Elton John were among those expected to get a nomination for Best Original Song, but failed to land nominations.

The category normally has four or five nominations, but this year featured only two: "Man or Muppet" from The Muppets and "Real in Rio" from Rio.

Mary J. Blige took to Twitter to share her disappointment:
 I'm so thankful for true fans like you all. It saddens me & feels like the Academy is being mean. 2 only nominate 2 of the 5 slots is.......