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50 CENT has offered to mentor JOAQUIN PHOENIX as the Oscar nominee tries to cut his teeth as a rapper.
Phoenix’s bizarre attempt to forge a career in hip-hop has been largely derided - he was mocked after an odd performance at a Las Vegas nightclub earlier this year (09).
But 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, insists Phoenix has a chance at success - he just needs to draw on and write about his own life experiences.
The star tells BlackVoices.com, "He should write about the things that he has real interest in, the things he has been influenced by. Because, when an artist writes something that’s totally away from their experience period, it can’t be embraced. Like when you have a former correctional officer (Rick Ross) write from the biggest drug dealer in Miami’s perspective, they don’t get it.
"It’s not necessary for you to be involved in criminal activity at any point in your life for you to be a part of hip-hop. You can come in and write from a totally positive perspective."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

HARRY POTTER star DANIEL RADCLIFFE has sent a touching note of condolence to the mother of tragic co-star ROBERT KNOX, who was stabbed to death in a brutal attack last year (08).
Eighteen year old Knox lost his life last May (08) after a fight outside a nightclub in Kent, England turned violent. His killer, 22 year old Karl Bishop, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday (05Mar09).
And Radcliffe has joined forces with Knox’s close friends and colleagues from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to pay tribute to the young actor - by turning a copy of author J.K. Rowling’s sixth novel, on which the film is based, into a book of condolences for Knox’s mother.
Radcliffe wrote, "We are all proud to have known you and devastated to have lost you. It is terrible just to write this note. Rest In Peace." He also quoted a line from a letter by poet D.H. Lawrence, adding, "To anyone else who reads this remember, ‘The Dead don’t die. They look on and help’", before signing the note, "Dan xxx".

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Dance act THE PRODIGY have brought BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’s reign in Europe to an end - their new release INVADERS MUST DIE has replaced THE BOSS atop the continent’s albums chart.
The Prodigy’s first album in five years toppled Springsteen’s Working On A Dream, which slips to number two after four weeks in pole position.
Lady Gaga’s The Fame jumps up four places to three, while Kings of Leon’s Only By The Night and Duffy’s Rockferry round out the top five in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Meanwhile, there’s no change at the top of the European singles chart - Lady Gaga’s Poker Face holds on to number one, while James Morrison’s duet with Nelly Furtado, Broken Strings, sits at two.
Kelly Clarkson is a new entry at three with My Life Would Suck Without You.

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New mum M.I.A. will call her baby boy ICKITT, according to U.S. reports.
The Paper Planes hitmaker gave birth to her first son with fiance Benjamin Brewer on 11 February (09), just days after performing onstage at the Grammy Awards - and now she has a name.
Latina.com was the first with the odd name.

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Singer MARIE OSMOND regrets not agreeing to a pre-nup before she wed second husband BRIAN BLOSIL in 1986 - because their divorce is costing her dear.
The Paper Roses hitmaker is supporting her ex with alimony payments and child support - but she admits she never even thought of her financial future when Blosil proposed because she was so in love.
She says, "A pre-nup would have been a good idea (but) you just don’t go into (a marriage) thinking you’ll fail." But Osmond insists she’s no longer mad about paying her ex: "I’ve been divorced almost two years and it’s OK."

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Reformed rockers GUNS N’ ROSES are reportedly planning a stadium world tour this summer (09) to promote their comeback album CHINESE DEMOCRACY.
The long-awaited disc was released in November (08), a full 15 years after frontman Axl Rose began work on it.
Despite a huge amount of hype, the disc failed to top the U.S. charts and has been considered by critics to be a flop - with many blaming Rose for refusing to appear publicly to promote it.
Last month (Feb09), Rose revealed he had a longterm plan to promote the album - and the band’s manager Irving Azoff now hints a tour is in the works.
He says, "Axl has been basically quiet, keeping out of the limelight for almost 15 years. People think they know him but they only really only know what has been said about him by questionable people. He is a good guy and often misunderstood - he is a professional who has worked very hard to build and maintain a high creative standard for Guns N’ Roses, which I support. We have some exciting things in the works this year for GNR, I’m looking forward to it."

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Singer JEWEL is set to spend the spring in a wheelchair - her dancing injury is so severe she has lost the ability to walk unaided.
The Face of Love singer has been forced to withdraw from U.S. TV show Dancing With the Stars after suffering a fractured tibia in both legs during rehearsals.
The singer was initially diagnosed with tendinitis, but her injury is much more serious - and now she’s hobbling around on crutches and faces weeks in a wheelchair.
She says, "I am on crutches and, if my right leg gets worse, I will be in a wheelchair." Jewel is still devastated about having to sit out of the dance contest, which debuts in America next week (beg09Mar09).
She tells In Touch Weekly magazine, "I did my MRI and pulled up my pant leg to get my shot, and the doctor came in and said, ‘You are finished, you cannot dance and you cannot walk.’"

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Shamed basketball great CHARLES BARKLEY has had his upcoming prison sentence for drink driving reduced - he will now serve just three days behind bars.
The sporting legend pleaded guilty to two charges of driving under the influence (DUI) last month (Feb09) relating to his 31 December (08) arrest in Arizona.
He was originally ordered to spend 10 days in jail, but was only expected to serve half of that.
And now TMZ.com claims the Scottsdale City Prosecutor has recommended a reduction of the punishment - although reasons for the motion have yet to be released.
Barkley will begin his sentence at the notorious Tent City Jail on 21 March (09). (MT/WNWCZM/IG) WENN - FIFTH - INTERNATIONAL MUSIC NEWS - 06 MAR 2009

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Comedian D.L. HUGHLEY has quit his weekly show for news network CNN to spend more time with his family.
The actor has been travelling between New York, where he films D.L. Hughley Breaks The News, and Los Angeles, where his family is now located.
But he is tiring of the constant commute and has decided to step down from his comedy news show at the end of March (09). Instead, he will become a part-time contributor for the cable news outlet.
A statement released by a CNN spokesperson reads: "D.L. approached CNN about being permanently based in Los Angeles, where his family lives. To accommodate this, we agreed upon a new role where he will be a contributor for the network based in Los Angeles. We are eager to continue our relationship with D.L., who is a tremendous talent and a valued colleague."

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Director JUDD APATOW is not involved in the forthcoming GHOSTBUSTERS III movie, a film studio representative has declared.
The Knocked Up filmmaker was rumoured to be taking charge of a new installment, which is expected to include cameos by original stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis.
Screenwriters Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg from the U.S. version of hit TV comedy The Office have joined forces with some of the 1980s movies’ creative team to pen the script.
But Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures, the studio behind the movie series, insists Apatow is not attached to the highly anticipated project.
He tells the Los Angeles Times, "It’s not true. We have some great new writers working on a new script, but Judd isn’t involved." However, Belgrad insists a third Ghostbusters film is definitely getting the go-ahead after receiving positive feedback from fans.
He adds, "Judging from the frenzy on the internet, there still seems to be plenty of interest in the idea of doing another film, so we’re certainly taking that as a good sign."

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DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star FELICITY HUFFMAN has blasted rumours co-star NICOLLETTE SHERIDAN was forced off the show by disgruntled castmembers - but hinted her character EDIE BRITT was written out by creator MARC CHERRY.
It was announced last month (Feb09) that Sheridan would be leaving the show, amid rumours her character will be killed off.
The news follows much speculation of rivalries between the main female characters on the show, but Huffman - who plays Lynette Scarvo - insists she and castmates Eva Longoria-Parker, Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross had nothing to do with her departure.
Huffman says, "Have you met Nicollette? You couldn’t push her anywhere. That girl is strong and knows exactly what she wants. I love Nicollette and Edie is such a great character." But she suggests it may not have been Sheridan’s decision to leave, adding, "Marc Cherry, he has to keep coming up with ideas to push the show forwards. I make sure I buy Marc lots of presents. I suck up as much as possible."

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Supermodel HEIDI KLUM has brushed off criticism of her weight by refusing to diet - insisting she already has the perfect figure for the catwalk.
The 35-year-old mum of three was verbally attacked by German designer Wolfgang Joop last month (Feb09) for being "too heavy" to model.
But Klum insists she has never been the type to starve herself - as looking after her children and pop star partner Seal is more than enough to keep her in shape.
She says, "I was never a diet sort of person. But when I started to model, I knew already that I would have to watch what I ate and for example, stop eating wiener schnitzel (Austrian dish of fried veal). My children are my best workout and I am of course also busy with my husband."

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BRAD PITT was granted a private meeting with U.S. President BARACK OBAMA on Thursday (05Mar09) to discuss the issue of Hurricane Katrina-hit New Orleans, Louisiana.
The natural disaster left thousands of people homeless when the levees broke and flood water washed away massive swathes of residential areas in 2005.
Pitt has played a major role in the rebuilding process in the state, with his Make it Right Foundation providing funding for a number of re-housing schemes.
And the movie star, in Washington, D.C. with his partner Angelina Jolie while she shoots new thriller Salt, used his spare time to discuss the issue with the President at the White House.
Pitt later talked more about ways to better help those still affected by Hurricane Katrina with America’s Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

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Singer WILL YOUNG and the stars of British TV show STRICTLY COME DANCING thrilled the audience at PRINCE CHARLES’ annual charity event in London on Thursday (05Mar09) night.
The Prince’s Trust Spring Ball, held to raise money to help young people, was kicked off with a dramatic tango from Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone from the U.K. version of Dancing with the Stars.
Young then took to the stage to deliver a rousing six-song set, delighting the audience by belting out tracks including Leave Right Now and Changes.
He says, "I am delighted to be performing at The Prince’s Trust Spring Ball. The Prince’s Trust is a cause that is close to my heart. Anything I can do to help them improve and support more young lives is my pleasure."

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STRYPER singer MICHAEL SWEET is mourning the death of his wife KYLE RAE SWEET who has lost her battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 52.
Sweet passed away on Thursday (05Mar09) - but the rocker had already paid an emotional tribute to his wife in a message posted on his website on Tuesday (03Mar09), two days before her death.
He wrote, "Kyle was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in February of 2007. Standing by her side and seeing her physically and emotionally face this horrible disease, I’ve realised that not only is she the love of my life, she is an angel and the most inspirational person I’ve ever known.
"I’ve stood faithful and hopeful in prayer through this battle, yet to see my love suffer and endure the pain and discomfort that she has over the past two years breaks my heart into a million pieces. No one deserves this, especially Kyle.
"I love you my dear and there is no way for me to repay you for what you have given to me. I hold you within my heart for now and forevermore." The couple met on the set of Stryper’s video You Know What To Do. They married in 1986 and have two children - Michael Jr., now 22, and Ellena, now 18.

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Animal rights advocates have hit back at THE WHO rocker ROGER DALTREY after he criticised the public for donating money to animal charities instead of young cancer patients.
The singer claims he is struggling to raise cash for his Teenage Cancer Trust Foundation, because so much charity cash goes to animal causes.
He recently accused the British public of turning their backs on stricken kids, saying, "It is a blot on our society when, if these teenagers had four legs and fur or feathers we would raise the money in a year. It’s tragic and it makes me want to fight even harder." But campaigners at animal rights charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are shocked by Daltrey’s outburst - insisting humans and animals’ lives could be saved, if people became vegetarian.
PETA boss Ingrid Newkirk tells WENN, "Daltrey’s heart seems closed not only to the idea of the importance of kindness to animals but the common sense realisation that helping animals avoid the slaughterhouse by going vegetarian greatly reduces the chance of colon, breast and other forms of cancer, as well as heart disease.
"Of course, we have the capacity to care for more than one species and one problem at a time, but if people want to put all their money into cancer research PETA has a list of cancer charities which use 21st Century research methods instead of clinging to old fashioned animal tests."

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R&B singer CHRIS BROWN took to the internet on Thursday (05Mar09) to thank fans for their support - on the same day he was arraigned in court on assault charges.
The Kiss Kiss hitmaker appeared briefly in court in Los Angeles on Thursday to face two felony counts of assault and making criminal threats in relation to his 8 February altercation with girlfriend Rihanna.
He and his attorney Mark Geragos were granted a continuance to April (09), when Brown will hear if he faces jail time for the alleged beating of the Umbrella star.
But Brown found time in his day to post a message on his MySpace.com page, urging fans to vote for him in the upcoming Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, in which he is nominated for Favorite Male Singer and Favorite Song for Kiss Kiss.
He wrote, "Hey fans, Vote for Chris on the Kids Choice Awards 2009 link provided below… Thank you for your support." The Kids’ Choice Awards take place on 28 March (09). The singer is due back in court on 6 April (09).

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

U2 closed down a New York university on Friday (06Mar09) morning to play a live televised gig for students and staff.
Fordham University in the Bronx was locked down for the secret concert, which was aired on U.S. morning TV show Good Morning America.
And the rockers dedicated their set to the college kids, urging them to get the education the Irish band opted out of.
Bono told the crowd, "We’re a little combo from the north side of Dublin called U2. Hope you like our new direction.
"We formed a rock ‘n’ roll band so we could get out of college. Maybe if it looked like this, or felt like this, things could’ve been different.
"That’s where we came from, 17, 18 years old we started, even before we got to college so I hope we haven’t forgotten that this is exactly where we come from and we wanna pay respect to the great life we’ve been given." And drummer Larry Mullen Jr. revealed the campus gig fulfilled a lifetime ambition for his father - who was disappointed his son never pursued his education.
He added, "I’m so excited to be here but I’m just so pleased for my dad, because he’s gonna see this sometime soon and he’s gonna say, ‘My son Larry finally made it to college’, so I wanna thank GMA (Good Morning America) and you guys for making it real for Lawrence Mullen Senior."

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