Rocker retires early from Canadian tour. Seems Janet Jackson isn’t the only star having tour problems these days. Lenny Kravitz is calling it quits for now in his Canadian appearance schedule, not long after Miss Jackson hung it up in the United States. Like Jackson, popular rocker Kravitz is reportedly dealing with illness. But, unlike Jackson, poor ticket sales don’t appear to be Lenny’s lot. Reports his Web site: “It is with great regret that Lenny Kravitz has had to cancel the remainder of his Canadian tour. Lenny is suffering from severe throat problems that have resulted in him not being able to sing or even talk.” Refunds to the show are being provided.

Djimon Hounsou to voice BET series hero. A Blood Diamond star will voice the role of a Marvel Comics hero for a BET series in 2009. West African-born Djimon Hounsou will portray T’Challa, an African king who doubles as crime-fighting Black Panther. Reginald Hudlin, ex-president of BET Networks, is set to write for the series. Black Panther, comics fans may know, has the distinction of being one of few action characters to go toe-to-toe with the legendary Captain America. He is the husband of X-Men character Storm, who was played by Halle Berry in the live-action film.