Pornography charges dropped against R. Kelly
Prosecutors in Bartow, Florida has dropped all child pornography charges against R&B superstar R. Kelly after a judge there ruled that photos allegedly showing the singer having sex with an underage girl were illegally seized.
Circuit Judge Dennis Maloney rules in favour with R. Kelly's attorneys that the Polk County sheriff's detectives did not have enough evidence to justify a search of Kelly's Davenport home when the deputies asked a judge for a warrant in June 2002.
The photographs found were on a digital camera, wrapped in a towel inside a duffel bag. Prosecutors for the state decided not to appeal Maloney's decision and instead dropped the 12 charges against Kelly, Assistant State Attorney Chip Thulberry said.
That decision however doesn't mean that the singer/songwriter/producer is out of the woods yet. He still faces 14 counts of child pornography in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois where investigators have a videotape allegedly showing him having sex with an underage girl.
- - Source: AP.org
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Janet's 'Dameta Jo' disc drops tomorrow
Janet Jackson's latest album 'Damita Jo' (which incidently is her middle names) will be on your nearest record shop shelves tomorrow. The new set will feature a mixture songs ranging from rock driven riffs tracks (such is the case with lead off single 'For a little While') to Brazilian, jazz and Spanish guitar influenced tracks.
Producers who worked on the album include long time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, (who's produced all but 2 of Janet's solo outputs) man of the moment Kanye West (I Want You) Kenny 'Babyface' Edmunds and Dallas Austin. Funny enough current boyfriend Jermaine 'JD' Dupri did not work on the album.
Recently honored with the Quincy Jones Career Achievement Award at the 18th annual Soul Train awards last week, Janet thanked all her fans saying 'You've been there with me during the good as well as the bad, I truly thank God for that strength and you for your belief in me you've lifted me up with your love and your support has always been a great source of comfort especially these last few weeks'.
Janet scheduled to make several talk show appearances both daytime and night time beginning with American Idol host Ryan Seaquest talk show .
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Craig David has a new girlfiend
It seems that singer Craig David has bitten the love bug. According to a tabloid report, Craig has been secretly dating the stunning Roxy Ingram a South African model for several months after meeting her in her native hometown of Cape Town, South Africa.
Said Roxy "I met him here when he was touring. It wasn't love at first sight, in fact I didn't feel anything except that he was a really nice guy, but he asked me out and we spent a few days together. I've got a DVD of one of his concerts and when I see him performing I can see why all these 16-year-old girls go all silly over him. But when he's with me he's completely different - he's an absolute gentleman. We really need a holiday together. My dream is for him to stay with me here. I'm coming to the UK again in April and I want to spend as much time with him as I can. He's my baby, my man. I'm just crazy about him."
Craig is currently back in the studio working an his new album with producer Mark Hill .
- Source: reactmag.com
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Alicia Keys and Jay Z to headline Prince Urban Fest
It's official - Soul prodigy princess Alicia Keys and rapper Jay-Z will headline The Prince's Trust Urban Music Festival which takes place at London's Earl's Court on May 8 and 9.
The event, in association with Channel 4, will also feature British singer Lemar, Dizzee Rascal, rapper Ty, Roots Manuva and Jamelia. Among its attractions it will have a variety of playful activities including breakdance/b-boy and MC battles, DJs, workshops, urban art, beat-boxing, an indoor football zone and a computer gaming zone. Tickets are priced from £22.50 to £33. Information and booking details are available via phone at 0870 160 7030 or on-line www.gigsandtours.com..
- Source - bluesandsoul.com