The RZA is slated for the big screen and a little music in 2009. The Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA says he’ll mark 2009 with a big-time film and music project, reports AllHip-Hop.com.  RZA is featured on Afro Samurai: The Resurrection, which is to be released on Jan. 27 as the soundtrack to season 2 of the critically acclaimed animated series Afro Samurai. Voiced by Academy Award-nominee Samuel L. Jackson, the series debuted in 2006 on Spike TV and went on to become the best-selling anime DVD release of 2007, the Web site repots. The project will mark RZA’s second full-length album for the series. In summer, 2009, RZA’s talents will be featured on the big screen with a role in The Funny People, an upcoming comedy from writer/director Judd Apatow (”The 40-Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up”).

Yung Joc signs another act to his Swagg Team label. Atlanta rapper Yung Joc has signed the second act to his Swagg Team Entertainment imprint, reports AllHipHop.com. The Grammy-nominated artist has picked up the Dallas-based GS Boys, who have generated an impressive Web following for their single “Stanky Leg,” the Web site reports.

Serena Williams memoirs to be published in 2009. Grand Central Publishing will release the currently untitled life story of tennis phenom Serena Williams in 2009. A reported $1.3 million deal gave Grand Central the rights to Williams’ memoirs after a bidding war. A company spokesperson says: “Serena Williams is one of the world’s most remarkable athletes. We’ve watched her rise to number one, despite physical and emotional setbacks, and her hard work and determination have inspired legions of fans, young and old. Serena will give her memoir a strong motivational slant.” Williams recently won an Olympic gold medal and the women’s U.S. Open title.

NBA’s Josh Howard disses “Star Spangled Banner.” Josh Howard’s best move yet may be off the basketball court – when he decides to hire a new publicist. Having admitted to smoking weed, getting arrested for driving nearly 100 in a 55 mile-per-hour zone and throwing a party the night before a playoff game, the Dallas player recently made an announcement: He doesn’t like the national anthem. Howard is caught on YouTube at Allen Iverson’s recent celebrity flag football game telling the camera: “The Star Spangled Banner’s going on right now. I don’t celebrate that sh**. I’m Black.” He mutters something about Sen. Barack Obama before the camera is aimed a different way. Not that Howard isn’t entitled to free speech, but soldiers in Iraq and a looming presidential election might signal less than ideal timing on this one.

United Football League plans to recruit Michael Vick

Convicted dog-fighter and suspended NFL star Michael Vick could have a new home in a competing football organization. The former Atlanta Falcon, who’s serving a sentence for sponsoring illegal canine fights in Virginia, has apparently been courted behind bars. United Football League commissioner Michael Huyghue says his organization is “98 percent” sure Vick will play on one of its six teams during their debut season. Vick’s release from federal custody is expected in 2009.