By Sherri L. Smith, BlackWeb20.com

So apparently it’s okay to start rocking 80s throwback fashions. From that shag that Kanye was rocking awhile back to will.i.am’s  asymmetrical cut that has the makings of an undercover gumby, the 80s are slowly encroaching on the new millennium. What’s next, a resurgence of jheri curls? I shudder at the thought. Read the rest of this entry »

Kanye West develops new TV pilot.

Kanye West, Rhymefest and Comedy Central join forces to create, “Alligator Boots.” Read more!Nelly takes a fall! Question of the Day: Did Nelly fall off? If so, who is the next rapper to take the plunge? Read more here.

50 plots a December Takeover! 50 Cent turns “Before I Self Destruct” album into a feature film. Get the details here.

Nelly takes Brass Knuckles on the road

Head St. Lunatic, Nelly, announced plans for an 11-city trek, titled “The Story of Brass Knuckles.” Check out what cities he’s hitting this fall. Sound Off has the details.

Mr. 106 & Park talks new album and beef with Nephu Da Don

Not only is Bow Wow prepping a tour with Soulja Boy, but he’s gearing up for his sixth session, New Jack City Part 2. Read more! BET.com/Music News has more.

T.I. and friends give a lesson in swagger Southern king T.I. joins forces with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z for an all-star collaboration from T.I.’s forthcoming LP, Paper Trail. More at Sound Off.

Rapper still denies CO past as Web site offers more proof

Fellow Miami MC Trick Daddy may have let Rick Ross off the hook by saying rumors of Ross’ prison guard past don’t matter. But The Smoking Gun Web site hasn’t let up. The popular investigative Web site has offered what appears to be irrefutable proof that Ross’ denials of having worked as a Florida correctional officer are outright lies. Though Ross recently defended his outlaw image and street-influenced rhymes on a Phoenix radio show, stating “One of my closest homies was on ‘ America ’s Most Wanted,’” The Smoking Gun reports that Ross once got a perfect attendance award for his prison guard work. Among other documents in the Web site’s 86-page acquisition of the rapper’s personnel file are contact information listings for his mother and sister – whose names appear, identically, on Ross’ CD liner notes. Additionally, the file shows a 1997 resignation letter from William Leonard Roberts, who borrowed his Rick Ross stage name from a once-notorious L.A. dope dealer.

Nelly is recruited as new model for Sean John

Rapper Nelly now has not only his own line of blue jeans for women, but he’s modeling men’s clothes, too. The sculpted, shirtless performer’s image was splattered all over the Web and featured on Fox’s Tuesday “Wendy Williams Show” as he appeared with pants hanging slightly below a Sean John underwear waistband. “To me, Nelly is the quintessential definition of the Sean John man,” says the fashion line’s founder, Sean “Diddy” Combs. “He has the attitude, the swagger and, most of all, the physique that our customers can both aspire and relate to. And let’s be honest, all of the ladies out there are going to be thanking us for this campaign.”

Woman who claimed pregnancy by Chris Rock not done yet
Negative test results may have damaged her credibility, but a Georgia woman says she’ll write a book about her alleged affair and disproven, alleged pregnancy by comedian Chris Rock. Lawyers for the comedian say there’s no reason to pay the planned book – or its writer – any attention. “There is a final judgment. This is not Chris Rock’s child,” one attorney for the star says. “It’s been fully litigated, and that includes DNA testing.”

The rap super star denies rumors that he’s planning to get therapy

So he’s known for throwing a fit every once in a while. What grown man doesn’t? Rap star Kanye West has put to rest rumors that he has any plans of seeking anger management. The man who recently filled his blog with profanity after he was criticized for taking the stage late at a Tennessee music festival has posted the following kinder, gentler clarification on his official site: “Now the media is saying I’m going to anger management something or ‘nother. I have never had any conversations about anger management. If anything, I need anger enhancement! lol! I get off the plane in Hawaii today and the world is saying my management team said blah blah blah… Oh and a sidebar – I don’t know if everyone has realized this yet, but I don’t do interviews; if there’s anything I wanna say, I’ll say [it] right here on my own blog.”

“Boss Lady” won’t face drunken driving charges.
Maybe she was only doing her mug shot impression of a person who’d been driving drunk. A Cali court has thrown out charges against rapper Snoop Dogg’s wife Shanté Broadus, following her arrest for alleged DUI. Citing a lack of evidence – apparently including her booking photo – a judge dismissed the count against “Boss Lady,” as she’s known on Snoop’s reality series. Guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover, if “Boss Lady’s” best drunk woman pose is any indication.

Nelly joins singer Sheryl Crow on Olympics CD

The rap world is making its contribution to the U.S. Olympics through Nelly’s contribution on a forthcoming, exclusive CD. The St. Louis rapper joins pop singer Sheryl Crow and other artists to lay tracks that will be used to help motivate athletes bound for the Games in Beijing. “I know this soundtrack is something we will all be able to enjoy while we’re in Beijing and will help motivate us to compete at our very best,” says swimmer Michael Phelps. The Olympics begin Aug. 8.