NEWS: 12-11-06 :: Steve-O raps :: Braintax new LP :: Gerald Levert passes away

Jackass star Steve-O is reportedly launching a career as a rapper. Steve-O, born Steven Glover, claimed he was in negotiations with Universal Records during a recent performance by cover band Metal Skool in Hollywood. Steve-O reportedly displayed his rap skills in front of the audience and then dropped his pants and "mooned" the cheering crowd.

TVT Records have announced the signing of Spanish Harlem's R&B star, Lumidee. The Puerto Rican singer, who shot to fame in 2003 with Never Leave You (Uh Oh) from her debut album Almost Famous, is back with a whole new sound, and will showcase it on her sophomore set, Unexpected.

Matthew Knowles, and singer Omarion have inked a deal with a new boy group by the name of 2 Much. The four person group began with Milo Stokes, Marcel Wildy and Chris Cheeks, who toured with Omarion and B2K through the states a few years ago. During a New York B2K show, Chris Stokes (manager/director) spotted a young kid in the crowd with strong pipes and complimenting dance moves. After a brief audition backstage for Omarion, the Bridgeport, Connecticut-native Myles Cleveland, became the missing link to the group Milo and the gang needed. Omarion signed 2 Much to his O Records label, and is currently recording under the leadership of Chris Stokes, the man behind B2K and writer/director of You Got Served.

Clothing retailer Gap will launch their new television ad campaign with two :30 second commercials featuring rapper Common on November 16. Common and his daughter Omoya Lynn are featured in both of Gap's "Holiday In Your Hood" commercials, which were directed by famed video director, Paul Hunter. Common also wrote an original song titled "Holiday In Your Hood" for the spots, where he rhymes over a sample of Madonna's 1983 hit "Holiday." The remake was produced by the Black Eyed Peas' will.I.am.

R&B singer Gerald Levert died Friday (November 10) after suffering a heart attack. He was only 40 years old. According to reports, the singer died in the comfort of his home in Cleveland, Ohio.

Miami rapper Pitbull's new album El Mariel debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Independent Album chart, moving almost 50,000 copies the first week in stores. The release, which features appearances from Wyclef Jean, Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Pharrell Williams, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy and DJ Khaled, also debuted at No. 17 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart.

While on his way to New York for a press tour to promote The Pimp Chronicles, pt. 1 DVD (in stores now), Katt Williams was stopped and detained on a weapons charge at Los Angeles International Airport. He was released today on bail after serving three days in an L.A. jail.

Braintax has released his second LP Panorama, following on from 2002’s Birofunk. Braintax is the founding father of Low Life, the UK’s premier Hip Hop label, which has released key works by Skinnyman, Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Rodney P and Asaviour.

The Game made an impromptu appearance at Times Square to celebrate the release of his sophomore album, Doctor’s Advocate. Upon arrival with his legendary manager, Jimmy Rosemond by his side, Game was rushed by hundreds of screaming fans who had been waiting anxiously outside of the Virgin Mega Store to get a glimpse of the rapper upon rumor that he was to show up and purchase copies of his own CD to hand out. Followed by dozens of members of Czar Entertainment’s street team members who were dressed in branded doctor’s uniforms, holding up picket signs and screaming through bull horns to promote the new album, Game walked from block to block for almost 2 hours, signing autographs, taking pictures and graciously thanking his fans for their support.