Lil Wayne will return to New York tomorrow. Having missed an earlier court date on a weapons charge, due to a dental issue, Lil Wayne returns to court tomorrow on a continuance. The rapper took a red-eye flight from Hollywood to New York after his Video Music Awards performance and win for Best Hip-Hop Video, in order to appear Monday. Weezy was arrested last summer after cops stopped his tour bus and searched the vehicle, allegedly finding a .40-caliber pistol. He’s charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

Actor is confirmed to play ancient Egyptian ruler.
Will Smith will portray Last Pharaoh. Will Smith is set to take on one of his most challenging roles in the film The Last Pharaoh. After earlier reports surfaced of his interest in the role about the ancient Egyptian ruler Taharqa, Variety.com confirms that Braveheart writer Randall Wallace is taking on the screenplay at Smith’s behest. Taharqa ruled Egypt from 690 B.C. to 664 B.C. and became known for his fierce battles with Assyrian king Esarhaddon.

Shhhh! Not while he’s trying to sing!
Actor hushes fans at performance. Terrence Howard takes his newfound music career seriously, according to Web reports. The Oscar-nominated actor whose new CD, Shine It Through, was recently released reportedly shushed a couple of fans at his New York performance last week. The star appeared at “The Beat of Chic,” an event for special invited guests at Bloomingdale’s department store, and was reportedly annoyed by the constant chatter of two women in the front row. “Obviously you two are talking about something that’s more important than my music,” Howard is said to have announced. “Why don’t you share it?” After the man who rapped the words “whoop dat trick” in the film Hustle & Flow stuck the mic in their faces, the ladies apparently decided to shut it up. But it’s not only the two front-row spectators who’ve been underwhelmed with Howard’s musical debut: Fan feedback on the CD has been less than favorable.

Lil’ Kim could be featured in Playboy

The rapper who presented an award to singer Diana Ross wearing a top made of pasties is reportedly ready to take things a step further. Lil’ Kim plans to pose nude for Playboy magazine, according to Web reports. The rapper, better known as Kimberly Jones, has been known for her sexuality since she began in the rap game during the late 1990s. She hasn’t confirmed the reports of her planned debut as a model for one of the most popular men’s magazines in America.

Comedian Mo’Nique among participants in “African World.”

Veteran R&B performers the O’Jays will headline one of the biggest annual Black cultural celebrations in the Midwest this weekend. Comedian and radio show host Mo’Nique will also appear, along with singer Talita Long, mother of actress Nia Long at the three-day African World Festival in Detroit. Black art, African and Caribbean cuisine, and musical rhythms from throughout the Diaspora will be featured today through Sunday at the free outdoor festival on Hart Plaza. Established by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the event has attracted as many as 1 million visitors.

40/40 in Las Vegas could expand.

Rap superstar Jay-Z’s Las Vegas 40/40 Club is rumored to be at the center of talks with the Las Vegas Sands Corp. for a possible buy-in. The 40/40 Club could bring Jigga even more millions if a 50 percent stake in the company is sold. The Sands agreement would reportedly let the casino corporation open 40/40 Clubs in Europe and also expand the U.S. nightspot.

Lil’ Wayne to return his ring.

Lil’ Wayne has come to terms with a New Orleans jeweler who says the rapper snagged a $138,000 diamond ring and a $32,000 necklace – but only paid $24,000 for the bling. Weezy, who was sued by the jeweler, has reportedly agreed to return the ring and pay an agreed-upon balance to settle the debt. The sale took place last October. The jeweler’s lawsuit was filed this year.

Alicia Keys won’t perform with firm’s support.

A singer set to perform in Jakarta, Indonesia has responded to requests that she not appear in concert with a cigarette company as her sponsor. Alicia Keys rejected the promo support of Philip Morris International after receiving letters from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “We respect those who are concerned and disagree,” says Niken Rachmad, a spokeswoman for Indonesia’s second-biggest cigarette maker, a unit of Philip Morris. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids wrote in its letter to Keys: “Approximately 35 percent of the population smokes, and an estimated 200,000 deaths per year in Indonesia are caused by tobacco-related illness.”

Lil Wayne to perform at VMAs.

One of the game’s hottest MCs has been added to MTV’s annual awards ceremony lineup. Lil Wayne joins the Jonas Brothers and other talents that are set to take the Video Music Awards stage next month. Riding the soaring sales trend of his current CD, Weezy is among the show’s headliners. The VMAs will air Sept. 7.