As part of the Budweiser Superfest, she will be joined by special guests Anthony Hamilton and Mint Condition, with host Doug E. Fresh and music provided by fellow Philadelphian DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Tickets are on sale now.

July 26 – Boston – Bank of America Pavilion
July 28 – New York – Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
July 30 – Detroit – DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 31 – Chicago – Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
Aug. 3 – Cleveland – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica (formerly Nautica Pavilion)
Aug. 4 – St. Louis – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 6 – Philadelphia – Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug. 7 – Washington, D.C. – Verizon Center
Aug. 10 – Los Angeles – Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk
Aug. 14 – Oakland – Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord
Aug. 17 – Memphis – FedExForum
Aug. 19 – Atlanta – Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Aug. 21 – Virginia Beach – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
Aug. 23 – Raleigh – Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Aug. 24 – Charlotte – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
Aug. 27 – Dallas – Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug. 28 – Houston – Reliant Arena

Jill Scott Shows Off 50-Lb. Weight Loss On Ebony Cover [PHOTO]

Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton Are “So In Love” [NEW VIDEO]

Jill Scott Covers Billboard Magazine: “I’ve Missed Myself” [PHOTO]

Well aware that she “may never play venues of this size again,” some of which she “hasn’t played since the Fugees days,” the reclusive star is excited “to see her loyal supporters up close and personal again.”

Tickets for the following shows are on sale now.

Dec. 27 – New York, NY – Highline Ballroom
Dec. 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
Jan. 1 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Jan. 3 – New York, NY – The Blue Note
Jan. 4 – New York, NY – The Blue Note
Jan. 5 – New York, NY – The Blue Note
Jan. 8 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
Jan. 9 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Jan. 12 – Charleston, SC – The Music Farm
Jan. 14 – Atlanta, GA – Centerstage
Jan. 16 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
Jan. 18 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
Jan. 20 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Jan. 22 – Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
Jan. 23 – Montreal, QC – Metropolis
Jan. 29 – Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues
Feb. 4 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theatre

Nicki Minaj “Completely Understands” Musical Comparisons To Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill Debuts On Music Charts After Over 10 Years!

Lauryn Hill

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The band, led by singer Sade Adu, is kicking off the 50-city North American leg on June 16.

Tickets go on sale on October 16th.

Sade’s “Babyfather” [NEW VIDEO]

Sade Lets Her Hair Down For Ebony Magazine [PHOTO]

Sade Addresses Critics Who Say She Can’t Sing

Jun. 16 – Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena
Jun. 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Jun. 21 – Uniondale, NY – Nassau Coliseum
Jun. 24 – East Rutherford, NJ – Izod Center
Jun. 28 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
Jun. 30 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Jul. 06 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Aug. 05 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Aug. 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
Aug. 30 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

Additional dates will be announced in the following markets soon: Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Calgary, AB; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; New Orleans, LA; Oakland, CA; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA; San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Paul, MN, Vancouver, BC.

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Usher has announced dates for his fall “OMG Tour.” Fresh off the success of Raymond v. Raymond and his Versus EP, Usher will be hitting the road at stops across America from November 10 to December 18.

Randy Phillips, president and CEO of AEG Live says,

“Songs like ‘OMG,’ ‘DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,’ ‘There Goes My Baby,’ ‘Papers,’ ‘Daddy’s Home,’ ‘Lil Freak’ with Nicki Minaj, and ‘Hot Tottie’ with Jay-Z have dominated the airwaves since last February. Now is the time for one of our greatest entertainers to go live and we are thrilled to be part of the ultimate Usher experience. Usher is bringing his fans an evening they will not soon forget. This will be the must-see concert tour of 2010!”

Check the dates below and catch him on tour:

Nov. 10 – KeyArena – Seattle, WA
Nov. 12 – Oracle Arena – Oakland, CA
Nov. 13 – Mandalay Bay Garden Arena – Las Vegas, NV
Nov. 14 – Honda Center – Anaheim, CA
Nov. 17 – San Diego Sports Arena – San Diego, CA
Nov. 18 – Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA
Nov. 19 – Jobing.com Arena – Glendale, AZ
Nov. 23 – Toyota Center – Houston, TX
Nov. 24 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
Nov. 26 – Scottrade Center – St. Louis, MO
Nov. 27 – Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
Nov. 29 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON
Nov. 30 – Centre Bell – Montreal, QC
Dec. 2 – TBD – Detroit, MI
Dec. 3 – Allstate Arena – Chicago, IL
Dec. 5 – Phillips Arena – Atlanta, GA
Dec. 7 – Greensboro Coliseum – Greensboro, N.C.
Dec. 8 – 1st Mariner Arena – Baltimore, MD
Dec. 8 – Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
Dec. 11 – Scope Arena – Norfolk, VA
Dec. 13 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
Dec. 14 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
Dec. 16 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
Dec. 17 – Verizon Center – Washington D.C.
Dec. 18 – XL Center – Hartford, CT

Is Usher Moving In With His Girlfriend Grace Miguel?

Usher, Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim’s “Hot Tottie” (Remix) [NEW MUSIC]

Usher

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Just weeks after the two were seen battling it out during a friendly dance-off at Jamaica’s Sumfest (see that video here), producer Bryan Michael Cox says in a new video that Usher and Chris Brown will be touring together.

“Usher and the boy Chris Brown are going on tour, y’all know that, right?” Cox asked viewers on a video during Jermaine Dupri’s ‘Living The Life’ Youtube show yesterday (Aug. 17).

“They might don’t know that,” says Jermaine Dupri, who is filming, to which Cox replies, “I might’ve just gave y’all some exclusive s**t.”

Though it hasn’t been confirmed by their reps, Brown and Usher took to Twitter to hint at the possible collaboration of sorts.

RELATED LINKS:

Usher & Jay-Z’s “Hot Toddy” [NEW MUSIC]

Chris Brown’s Model Girlfriend Has Moved On With Rob Kardashian [RUMOR]

Chris and Usher: BFF’s

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Rihanna is canceling concert dates left and right.

More stateside dates on her ‘Last Girl On Earth Tour’ have been scrapped.

Her tour promoters Live Nation announced today that 3 major city dates have been canceled due to ’scheduling conflicts’ (of course):

Due to a change in Rihanna’s schedule, she can no longer appear in Englewood, CO (July 15), Atlanta, GA (July 28) and Noblesville, IN (August 3). Fans who purchased tickets will receive a refund. Rihanna apologizes to her fans and hopes to make it up to them on the next tour.

She’s also canceled her Denver stop.

Including the cancellation of 1 date in Phoenix, AZ, 1 in Dallas, TX, and 1 in Auburn, WA (which you can read about here: Rihanna Cancels ANOTHER U.S. Tour Date), these latest additions bring the total tally up to SEVEN!

Meanwhile, she’s killin’ it overseas. Guess the U.S. doesn’t love her like it used to.

Fab Or Fug? Rihanna’s Airbag Shoulder Pads

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FROM MTV: Rihanna has canceled her July 2 concert at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington, which was scheduled to be the opening night of her tour, according to the Auburn Reporter.

A press release from Live Nation states that the date had to be canceled due to “production changes.”

The July 22 show in Phoenix and the July 24 show in Dallas have also been nixed.

That means Rihanna’s Last Girl on Earth Tour will now kick off on July 4 in Vancouver.

Nicki Minaj was originally scheduled to be one of the opening acts for the tour alongside pop party girl Ke$ha. But Minaj had to back out of the tour in order to work on her album. Travie McCoy is slated to take her spot. SOURCE

DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THE “PRODUCTION CHANGES” EXCUSE?

PHOTOS: Rihanna & Matt Kemp Go On Another Dinner Date

Rihanna’s Make-Up Artist Reveals Her Beauty Secrets!

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FROM FREDDYO: A source has reported that Maxwell has canceled the rest of his concerts because he isn’t getting along with Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. They said he was pissed because both the ladies went over on their time.

They also said that all of Maxwell’s concerts after the NYC stop on June 26th have been postponed or canceled but, according to Ticketmaster, only tomorrow’s show (June 17) has been.

We’ll have to keep an eye out for this one…

And Check Out This Week’s Exclusive Interview: VIDEO: Toni Braxton Admits To Having A “Cougar Crush” & Blaming Herself For Son’s Autism

Maxwell Is Ready To Get Married & Have Kids

Fab Or Fug? Jill Scott’s Gold Metallic Dress

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One of these men has been invited to spend the summer with two of pop’s hottest stars.

He will be the sole male act on Rihanna’s “Last Girl on Earth” tour, with supporting act Ke$ha, when it kicks off on July 2 in Auburn, Wash. He fills in for Nicki Minaj, who pulled out of the trek a couple days after dates were announced, so she could focus on recording her debut album.

UPDATE: Rihanna KICKED Nicki Minaj Off Tour

The tour travels across North America, culminating August 28 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse.

He recently wrapped his first-ever solo outing, opening for the “Too Fast for Love” tour, and will perform his hit single “Billionaire” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (6/15) and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” (6/21). He released his solo debut album “Lazarus” last week.

Travis McCoy, frontman of the Gym Class Heroes and former boyfriend to Katy Perry, is the lucky man!

VIDEO: Rihanna & Eminem Perform “Love The Way You Lie”

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So, Chris Brown was forced to cancel his European tour that was set to kick off in Glasgow tomorrow.

He, like any fame-seeking celeb, posted this information on Twitter.

But, it must have been during one of his many rants because he deleted the Tweet moments later.

Because he provided no information as to why this decision was made, we assumed it was because he’s still having trouble finding sponsors. That “incident” keeps haunting him, unfortunately.

But then his PR group came forward with an official statement:

Due to issues surrounding his work visa, the Ireland and United Kingdom leg of Chris Brown’s Fan Appreciation Tour has been postponed. Chris looks forward to performing for his fans abroad in the near future and thanks them for their continued support.

Well…that was underwhelming.

We later found out he was denied for being “guilty of a serious criminal offense.” He’s on probation until 2014.

Duh.

Angry Ex Tries To Steal His Girl Back From Chris Brown Via Twitter
Chris Brown Gets Drunk, Falls Off Couch

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FROM TMZ: Sources are saying that Janet Jackson was so “blown away” by the positive reaction to her appearance on the “American Idol” finale that she’s “seriously entertaining” the idea of a concert tour that could begin before the end of the year!

Janet was amazing on Wednesday’s “Idol” – performing “Again,” “Nothing,” and “Nasty.” We’re told as of today a concert tour is now on the front burner.

Miss Jackson — who has only toured once since 2002 (and a bulk of that tour was canceled) is also set to appear at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on July 2. SOURCE

Still Got It! Janet Dons Catsuit & Gets “Nasty” On “Idol”

Fab Or Fug? Janet’s Real Hair Makes A Cameo

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Kelis is in London on a promo tour for her album “Flesh Tone” and she’s not alone…the singer reportedly brought her rumored new boyfriend, baller Adewale Ogunleye who accompanied her to the Jools Holland show (see her performance below).

Her Milkshake brought all the boys to the yard and it seems singer Kelis has had the pick of the bunch.

The smitten singer was spotted cozying up to her new man, Adewale Ogunleye, at the recording Jools Holland show on Monday.

The 6ft 4in muscly American football player stood in the wings watching her perform her new single Acapella.

As the show ended he escorted her to her dressing room for their own private love-in. Ooer!

Source

Kelis Wears Another Crazy Outfit & Explains Her Wacky Taste

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GALLERY: Kelis Debuts Craziest Outfit Yet In London

Look out Lady Gaga, there’s another musician rocking out in custom-made Giorgio Armani outfits—Alicia Keys! The soulful songstress, who was dressed in head-to-toe Armani for her 2008 As I Am tour, will rock four dazzling, one-of-a-kind costumes from the Italian designer for her current tour, The Element of Freedom.

The Element of Freedom tour kicked off in Lisbon, Portugal on April 29 and continues throughout Europe until early June 2010.

The first look, a sparkling crocodile-printed military jacket, features crystals and sequins, and is paired with silk leggings and tone-on-tone Swarovski crystals.

The second, a sexy one-shouldered silk chiffon gown in dark gray–paired with black sandals.

A one-shoulder silk top with embroidery detailing and crystal-encrusted leather boot completes the third look.

A flirty mini-dress with strong shoulders and cascade ruffles finishes off the assortment.

NEW VIDEO: Alicia’s “Un-Thinkable (Ready)”

RUMOR: Alicia & Swizz To Tie The Knot In July

NEW MUSIC: Alicia, J.Hud & Leona’s “SATC2″ Songs

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Platinum-selling soul star Maxwell has added shows with Erykah Badu and Melanie Fiona to the 20 previously announced dates featuring Jill Scott. The 33 date tour kicks off May 21st in Cleveland, OH; Badu and Fiona will join Maxwell for select dates beginning June 11th at Atlanta’s Philips Arena. A full list of tour dates is below.

And check out our original story of the week: “Just Wright” Stars Show Us 4 Perfect “Date Night” Outfits

Maxwell Tour Dates

May 21 – Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland, OH

May 22 – Palace of Auburn Hills – Detroit, MI

May 24 – Conseco Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN

May 25 – United Center- Chicago, IL

May 27 – Bradley Center-Milwaukee, WI

May 29 – Scottrade Center – St. Louis, MO

May 30 – Starlight Theater – Kansas City, MO

Jun 2 – Key Arena – Seattle, WA

Jun 4 – Oracle Arena- Oakland, CA

Jun 5 – Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA

Jun 8 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX

Jun 9 – Toyota Center – Houston, TX

Jun 11 – Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA (with Erykah Badu)

Jun 12 – Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA

Jun 14 – American Airlines Arena – Miami, FL

Jun 15 – St. Pete Times Forum – Tampa, FL

Jun 18 – Verizon Center – Washington, DC

Jun 19 – Wachovia Center – Philadelphia, PA

Jun 21 – Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT

Jun 22 – Verizon Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA

Jun 25 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY

Jun 26 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY (with Erykah Badu)

Jun 28 – Greensboro Coliseum – Greensboro, NC

Jun 29 – Time Warner Arena – Charlotte, NC

Jul 1 – Colonial Life Arena – Columbia, SC

Jul 3 – Civic Center – Pensacola, FL

Jul 6 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

Jul 7 – The Bank of Kentucky Center – Highland Heights, KY

Jul 9 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH

Jul 10 – Mellon Arena – Pittsburgh, PA

Jul 12 – HSBC Arena – Buffalo, NY

Jul 13 – Bank of America Pavilion – Boston, MA

Jul 15 – 1st Mariner Arena – Baltimore, MD

VIDEO: Maxwell “Tears” It Up For The “Stars”

The singer and songwriter, winner of two Grammy Awards for his ‘BLACKsummers’night,’ just received an “A-” from Entertainment Weekly for the video for his new single “Fistful of Tears,” which they say offers “maximum class and minimum ruckus.”

Watch it here:

NEW VIDEO: Maxwell Holds A “Fistful Of Tears”

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Whitney Houston tried something new at her ‘Nothing But Love Tour’, the diva brought out a young fan at last night’s show in Dublin, Ireland. Houston gave one young fan the opportunity perform ‘The Greatest Love of all’ before the capacity crowd:

VIDEO: Whitney Booed By UK Crowd

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Whitney Blames Cancellations on Allergies

Erykah Badu announced her dates for her 2010 North American tour, Out My Mind, Just In Time. The tour will make stops at a mix of amphitheaters and concert halls throughout North America this spring, beginning on May 22 at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD and wrapping up on June 24 at The Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, NV.

Opening acts, that will vary in city, include: N.E.R.D., Bilal, Janelle Monae, and drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson from The Roots.

In addition to this tour, Badu has joined the lineups for this summer’s Lollapalooza festival and will reunite with the revamped Lilith Fair tour. She will also be featured as a special guest at Maxwell’s upcoming concerts in Atlanta and New York City.

Erykah Badu To Face Charges Over “Window Seat”

VIDEO: Erykah Admits She Wants “All The Rappers” To Herself

ERYKAH BADU 2010 OUT MY MIND, JUST IN TIME TOUR DATES
May 22           Baltimore, MD           Pier Six Pavilion     w/ Bilal
May 23            Boston, MA                Orpheum Theatre  w/ Janelle Monae
May 25            New York, NY           Roseland Ballroom w/ ?uestlove
May 26           Philadelphia, PA       Tower Theater w/ Bilal
May 28           Washington, D.C.     Constitution Hall w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
May 30           Detroit, MI                 Chene Park  w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
June 2             Chicago,IL                Chicago Theater w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
June 3             Chicago, IL                Chicago Theater w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
June 5             Memphis, TN            Orpheum Theatre w/ Janelle Monae
June 6             Nashville, TN           Ryman Auditorium w/ Janelle Monae
June 8            Kansas City, KS        Midland Theatre w/ Janelle Monae
June 9            St. Louis, MO            Fox Theatre w/ Janelle Monae
June 13         Houston, TX              Verizon Wireless Theater w/ Janelle Monae
June 14         Dallas, TX                    Nokia Theatre
June 16         Denver, CO                 The Fillmore Auditorium w/ Janelle Monae
June 18         Oakland, CA               Paramount Theatre w/ Janelle Monae
June 19         Saratoga, CA              The Mountain Winery
June 20         Los Angeles, CA       Greek Theater w/ Janelle Monae
June 22         San Diego, CA            TBA
June 23         Phoenix, AZ              TBA
June 24         Las Vegas, NV          The Pearl Concert Theater

TOUR DATES WITH MAXWELL
June 11           Atlanta, GA             Phillips Arena w/ Maxwell
June 26         New York, NY         Madison Square Garden w/ Maxwell

LILITH FAIR & FESTIVALS
June 27           Calgary, AB            MaMahon Stadium Lilith Fair
June 28         Edmonton, AB        Northlands Spectrum Lilith Fair
June 30         Vancouver, BC       Pitt Meadows Airport Lilith Fair
July 2         Portland, OR              Sleep Country Amphitheatre Lilith Fair
July 3         George, WA                The Gorge Amphitheatre Lilith Fair
August 4         Raleigh, NC           Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion Lilith Fair
August 8         Chicago, IL           Grant Park, Hutchinson Field

Lollapalooza
August 11         Tampa, FL         Ford Amphitheatre Lilith Fair

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And then she changed her head gear to this:

VIDEO: Rihanna & Dancers Rehearse For Tour

FIRST LOOK: Rihanna in “Rolling Stone” Magazine

Rihanna rides a gun for “Te Amo” and takes a spin during “Umbrella” in the latest rehearsal footage from her “Last Girl on Earth” tour. The European leg kicks off tonight in Antwerp, Belgium.

FIRST LOOK: Rihanna In “Rolling Stone” Magazine

Rihanna To Release Remixed “Rated R” Album

GALLERY: Matt Kemp Shows Off His Tats In GQ

SPOTTED: Rihanna Cheers Matt Kemp On From The Stands

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MediaTakeOut.com is reporting that once Lady Gaga’s people learned that Nicki Minaj wasn’t touring with Rihanna anymore, they quickly snatched her up. It is being claimed that they are finalizing the details now, and that we should expect an announcement very soon.

We’ll believe it when we see it.

Nicki Minaj Fires Manager Over Rihanna Tour?

PASS OR FAIL? Nicki Minaj Channels Marilyn Monroe

Nicki Minaj

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Monica just announced that she’ll be touring this summer with Trey Songz. Monica made the announcement on Atlanta’s Fox 5 news. The official tour doesn’t start until August. But the two singers are doing spot dates right now.

Last night Monica and Trey performed to a packed house in Aiken, S. Carolina and attended an after party in Spartanburg, SC.

The singer tweeted these photos of her brand new car a $126,000 Porsche Panamera S given to her by her cousin, Polow Da Don, in celebration of the success of her #1 album, “Still Standing.”

I’m not really a car person. But I will put two new car seats in the back for my boys. It’s a really, really nice car. Polow just wanted to surprise me. It was the best surprise ever! It really made me feel good to know that he thought that much of me. We have a lot of cousins! Our bond is like brother and sister really. The funny things is I didn’t even get to touch it! I had to come to Aiken, so they’re sending it to the rim shop to get some white on white 22-inch rims with with hot pink brake pads. We’re going to keep it girly!

Monica teams up with Jamie Foxx for next single

VIDEO: Monica Performs “Everything To Me” on Leno

According to BET’s Entertainment Spotlight, there is mounting speculation that an International Workers Permit – which Minaj’s manager was supposed to file and didn’t – is the reason for the rapper not going on the trek. An anonymous source offered the following:

“I know for a FACT that she was fired because the stupid b–ch neglected to get Nicki Minaj an international work permit (you need those to perform outside of the US) and they take a long time to obtain. Well, Nicki cant work outside the US on the tour, so therefore she couldn’t go..boo hoo. The manager neglected to tie some loose ends in regards to that. Now, i am the managers associate (friend) so i know this for sure. it was an honest mistake. Deb dont know s–t about managing an international act. Shes low class, but she still my b–ch so i wont elaborate or talk s–t about her on this board.”

Anyway, the now-ex manager, Debbie Antney (mother of rapper Wacka Flocka) confirmed her dismissal in an email to Hip Hop Weekly saying:

“I received a letter, which was (a) suspension. The next letter that came in was a cease and desist in doing all business with Nicki Minaj from Nicki’s attorney. “I love Nicki. I wish her the most success. It’s not about the music, she’s like one of my children… I wish her no harm, only much success.”

UPDATE: Rihanna KICKED Nicki Minaj Off Tour

Eve On Nicki Minaj: “No One’s Competition For Me”

PASS OR FAIL? Nicki Minaj Channels Marilyn Monroe

Nicki Minaj

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We’ve heard three different stories in a matter of a week. On Tuesday, we hear Rihanna and Nicki Minaj are touring together. On Wednesday, we hear Nicki backed out to use that time to complete her debut album instead. And today, we’re hearing that Nicki didn’t go willingly, but was kicked off the roster by Rihanna, herself.

Media Takeout says:

Rihanna has been growing increasingly worried that her popularity is starting to fade. An insider explained, “No one [in Rihanna's camp] is panicking yet, but there is deep concern that Rihanna has peaked, and is on the downside of her music career.”

When Rihanna learned that new rapper Nicki Minaj was being included in her tour, she was furious! The insider said, “Nicki [Minaj] was brought in to sell tickets, but Rihanna did not want her on.” It is claimed that Rihanna, presumably fearing that she would be upstaged, used her influence to reduce Nicki’s role in the tour. Nicki was reportedly going to be the opening act, and be limited in the number of songs she could perform.

However, a person close to Young Money has said, “Nicki is not an opening act, and we would never put her out there like that.”

According to the Young Money insider, Nicki ended up calling Rihanna directly to ask whether she was behind all of the tour drama. The insider said, “I only heard one side of the conversation, but [there] were a lot of curse words thrown back and forth.”

____

“Nicki Minaj Backs Out Of Touring With Rihanna”

Just yesterday we told you Rihanna, Ke$ha, and Nicki Minaj would be on the hunt for rude boys together this summer via their collabo tour.

But, it seems one lady has already backed out of being “The Last Girl On Earth.”

WHO SHOULD FILL HER SPOT?

Eve On Nicki Minaj: “No One’s Competition For Me”

Teairra Mari: “Rihanna Is Not To Blame For Label Dropping Me”

UPDATE:

FROM PEOPLE: It was allergies, not a relapse, says Whitney Houston, who’s now out of the hospital and eager to return to the stage.

“I’m feeling great,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I’m just ready to move on and continue my world tour.”

Hospitalized earlier this week for an upper respiratory infection, Houston postponed the first four shows of her European tour, fueling tabloid speculation that she’s in a downward drug spiral.

Houston calls such reports “ridiculous” and says, “At this point, I just don’t respond. I don’t even read it.”

Checking into a hospital in Paris was doctor’s orders. “My health is terrific,” says the singer, 46. “But this is a time when I get a lot of allergies.”

Houston’s tour will resume on April 13 in Birmingham, England, and will continue through June. “I’m doing what I love to do, which is singing,” Houston says. “The best part is seeing all of my fans around the world.”

DO YOU BELIEVE HER STORY?

____

“Whitney Cancels More Shows, Report Of Cocaine Use Emerges”

The AP reported today that Whitney Houston has postponed more concert dates at the same time a celebrity weekly features an interview alleging she’s doing drugs again.

From the In Touch press release:

In Touch can reveal shocking claims from onlookers at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in LA who were surprised on March 10 when the singer walked into the bar, appearing disheveled and out of it. According to eyewitness Marlon David, Whitney was with her ex-husband, Bobby Brown, and she seemed oblivious to who might be watching when she began screaming, “I want a f***in’ drink!” followed by expletives. While Whitney’s rep vehemently denies that she’s using drugs, David, who was sitting just a table away from Whitney and Bobby, tells In Touch exclusively: “I saw her pull a plastic bag out, put a folded bill to her nose and discreetly snort a line from it of what to me certainly looked like cocaine. She’s extremely thin and looks like a disaster. She’s a hot mess.”

Whitney Houston Postpones Show Due To Illness?

Whitney Houston’s Smoking Blamed For Shaky Performances

The AP:

NEW YORK – Whitney Houston has again pushed back the European leg of her first tour in years on the advice of doctors who are encouraging her to take time to recover from a respiratory illness, according to a statement issued Wednesday.
Houston had already postponed the European kickoff, originally scheduled for Tuesday in Paris, because of illness. A statement from a representative said doctors advised Houston to reschedule concerts Thursday and Friday in Manchester, England, and a Sunday performance in Glasgow, Scotland.

All dates are being rescheduled, and the 46-year-old singer’s tour is now supposed to start next Tuesday in Birmingham, England.

Whitney’s Fans Walk Out Of Concert

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FROM E! ONLINE: On the bright side, at least she knew better than to claim exhaustion. On the not-so-bright side, Whitney Houston has another problem.

A temporary snag has tripped up the singer’s comeback trail, as Houston’s reps say the singer has contracted an upper respiratory infection and, on doctor’s orders, must delay tonight’s planned Parisian kickoff of her European tour.

“Whitney is suffering from an upper respiratory infection and after a consultation with her doctors has been advised to postpone her performance,” a statement read. “Whitney and her band apologize that the show has to be rescheduled on such short notice.”

Instead of the French opener, Houston—whose vocal prowess already came under heavy scrutiny on the recently completed Australian (Whitney’s Fans Walk Out Of Concert) and Asian legs of her tour—will launch the Euro wave of her tour in Manchester on Thursday.

She plans to reschedule the Paris date, but has yet to do so.

Whitney Houston’s Smoking Blamed For Shaky Performances

Terry McMillian To Give Us The Sequel To “Waiting To Exhale”

DO YOU BELIEVE HER EXCUSE?

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Essence announced this morning that Janet Jackson will be headlining their 2010 Music Festival, which is scheduled for Fourth of July weekend.

It will be her first time at the Fest and her first full concert since her ‘Rock Witchu’ tour stop in New York’s Madison Square Garden back in 2008.

Janet will perform on July 2, the opening night.

Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Keri Hilson, Gladys Knight, Raphael Saadiq, and tons of others are also part of this summer’s line up.

Janet Disputes Rumors, “I’m Not Working On An Album”

VIDEO: Janet Recalls Boob-Binding On “Good Times”

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After a tumultuous 2009, it appears things are finally looking up Chris Brown. Following the announcement that the R&B star will be taking his ‘Fan Appreciation Tour’ around the globe, BET have confirmed that the 20 year old star will be headlining their forthcoming ‘Spring Bling’ extravaganza on April 10th.

Brown phoned in to the network’s flagship show, 106 & Park, yesterday to give details on the concert, his first ‘proper’ televised set since…

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Whitney Houston recently did a promotional interview for her ‘Nothin’ But Love Tour’. The singer spoke on her storied career, her thoughts on music today, the tour, and more.

Watch the video:

GALLERY: Whitney Houston hides from the paparazzi

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According to the promoter, “Whitney smokes. God bless her, I can’t tell her not to. She will not take any substances. She just will not. It is what it is. She’s comfortable with the show she’s performing. She knows she’s not hitting every note like she used to. But it’s value for money, it’s Whitney Houston warts and all.”

He also says she is relying on her Christian faith to help her finish the road show, “I talked to her after the Sydney show. I told her I have her back but she said, ‘If the good Lord wants me to be attacked and ridiculed that’s the road I have to go down.’

“It’s an interesting approach. Here I am being aggressive in trying to protect her and she said, ‘I love you for it but let it go. I can only give my best, if that’s not good enough, so be it. I’m comfortable in my own skin.’”

Source

Whitney’s fans walk out of concert

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RUMOR: Whitney Only Has 5 Years Left To Live

Grammy Award winning superstars Maxwell and Jill Scott will kick off their 20-city U.S. arena tour on May 21st in Cleveland with additional dates to be announced through June. Singer and songwriter Maxwell is catapulting off his two recent Grammy Awards and his number one, platinum ‘BLACKsummers’night’ (Columbia), which dominated year-end critics lists. Grammy Award winning singer Jill Scott will be performing hits spanning her 10 year career starting from her double platinum Grammy nominated debut album ‘Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol.1′ through her upcoming album ‘The Light Of The Sun’ out Summer 2010.

This tour is being produced nationally by Live Nation. Tickets go on sale in select cities at LiveNation.com

VIDEO: Maxwell’s “Pretty Wings” Grammy performance

Details on dates, venues and on-sale information will be announced shortly for tour stops in 20 U.S. cities including: Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Seattle, Oakland, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York.

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Jill Scott launches bra for busty women