R.I.P

Shakir 'Shake' Stewart, who stepped in as Def Jam V.P. following Jay Z, died of a self inflicted gun shot wound over the weekend. On Sunday (November 2), his fiancee, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement with the rest of his family. ''Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love,'' the statement said. ''As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence.''

The Oakland, Calif., native graduated from Morehouse College in 1996 and previously worked with the Hitco publishing company, where he signed Beyonce to a publishing deal, and Arista Records, where he signed Ciara. Shake also signed Rick Ross and Young Jeezy to Def Jam before being named VP in June.

Larry Johnson Suspended and Dropped By Agent

Kansas City Chief Larry Johnson has been suspended for week 10 of the NFL season for violating the league's personal conduct policy after being charged with simple assault for a October 10 skrimish where he spit in a woman's face and threatened her boyfriend and for mushing a chick in the face back in December in a different bar incident. He'd already been deactivated for the past two weeks by the Chiefs and didn't play this past Sunday against Tampa Bay. He will miss the Chiefs' game at San Diego next weekend under the suspension which will cost him about $147,000, or one game check.

Larry has this to say for himself: "This is the first time in my life I actually had to stand up, I mean actually woke up and kind of be disgusted with myself and disgusted as far as the way my life and my career is heading right now. In times of darkness, you've got to look for the light and that's what I plan on doing, regardless of what suspensions and fines are being handed down. I will take them as sincerely as they give them out."

Larry has also parted ways with his agent. "I did, indeed, decide to resign as Larry agent's this past Monday," his former agent said in a statement. "I don't want to get into the specifics of why. But I think it's in the best interest for me and Larry to go our separate ways. I am fully confident Larry will rise above all of the adversity and get his career back on the track. I wish him the best in all of his career endeavors."

They Say

The real reason Terrence Howard was kicked off the Iron Man sequel was because of his difficult behavior on set and because the director and producers were unhappy with his performance in the original and subsequently low balled his salary in an effort to force him out of the sequel.

Judge Rules Coretta Scott King Love Letters Released

The battle over Coretta Scott King's personal letters to Dr. Martin Luther King has been settled and siblings Bernice and Martin III must hand the letters over to their younger brother Dexter. Dexter, who wanted to sell the letters in a million dollar book deal that is no longer on the table, now wants to use the letters for a planned biography of his mother.

Don't Hold Your Breath

Cause it ain't gonna happen. Earlier this week Jermaine Jackson told an Australian newspaper that the Jackson 5, including Michael, was reuniting and going on tour and that Janet would be their opening act. I guess nobody bothered to tell Mike because he had this to say about it, "My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we've certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them."

And She Was Doing So Well

Obviously Janet Jackson does not want to 'Rock Wit Chu' cause she's back to cancelling concert dates. JJ's concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut had originally been scheduled for October 11, that is until Jan came down with severe migraines associated with Vertigo. The date was to have been rescheduled but now has officially been cancelled. Those who purchased tickets for the show at the Mohegan Sun Box Office or at a Ticketmaster outlet should return to the point of purchase for refunds. Those who purchased tickets at ticketmaster.com or via phone will be refunded automatically.

WTF

In an interview with Toure' for BET's Black Carpet, southern rapper Soulja Boy was asked, “What historical figure do you most hate?” Noticing Soulja was stumped, Toure' tried to give the rapper some insight telling him, "Others have said Hitler, bin Laden, the slave masters..." To which Soulja Boy replied, "Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we'd still be in Africa. We wouldn't be here to get this ice and tattoos."

Michigan Censors Janet's Show

When Janet Jackson played the Palace of Auburn Hills Tuesday night, in a make-up concert after she cancelled on September 27, she was informed of a Michigan state law that prohibits simulated sex acts in a public performing space, forcing her to cut the 'Discipline' segment from her performance. Those of you familiar with Janet's stage show know this is the part where she chooses one of her dancers a random audience member and pulls him onstage for a freak down. Oh and Jan only sold 8,000 seats in the 22,000 seat arena.

Lil Wayne Says

He was very involved in the delivery of his new son. He told a local radio station, "I delivered him. I held the left leg the whole time. It was nasty, very nasty, but it was wonderful. Oct. 22, 9:25 a.m., 7 lbs., 12 oz. He's the best thing to ever happen to me, next to my daughter.”

Samuel Jackson In Last Dragon Remake

Samuel Jackson is set to play Sho'Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem in an upcoming remake of the 1985 cult classic "The Last Dragon."

Natalie Cole Taking Her Dialysis On The Road

Natalie Cole is back on the promotional tour for her new cd 'Still Unforgettable' after being released from the hospital in September after a set back in her Hepatitis C treatment. Cole, who must undergo dialysis treatment three times a week says, "It feels great to be back! I feel sturdy and strong, and my voice is still here! It's almost like a miracle because [the treatment] didn't affect my [singing]."

El Debarge Pulls A Two Year Bid

El Debarge was sentenced to 2 years in state prison yesterday for violating the conditions of his parole on a 2007 drug possession charge after cops caught him with crack cocaine earlier this month.

More Pictutres Of Laila's Baby

LL Jumps Ship

I told you earlier that I'd heard LL Cool J had not been showing up for Janet's concerts. Well it's offical. LL is off the tour.