It has been reported by the Associated Press that actor Heath Ledger, famous for his role in “Brokeback Mountain,” was found dead in his Manhattan apartment at around 3:30 PM. Police say that his death may have been drug related, as there were pills found around his body. According to an NYPD spokesman, the actor had an appointment with a masseuse in his Soho apartment, and when the housekeep went into his room to alert him that the massage therapist was there, he was dead. He did not respond when he was shaken, and the housekeeper then proceeded to call 911, as reported by the New York Times. He was officially pronounced dead at around 3:45 P.M. He was 28 years old. Authorities said that they did not suspect any foul play.

Ledger leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter with actress Michelle Williams, and was currently filming a movie “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” He is set to play The Joker in an upcoming remake of Batman. If I am not mistaken, filming for that movie has already wrapped.

Story developing…

OK, huge N*E*R*D fan, took me a couple of listens to get into this. “Everybody Nose,” I’m guessing, is the lead single from N*E*R*D’s upcoming LP, the follow-up to 2004’s Fly or Die, N.3.R.D. set to release in Spring of 2008. I’m really excited becos I loved Fly or Die, I still bump it every now and then when I’m in my rebellious-phase. But man, did that album go hard!

PHOTO: WIRE IMAGE

People.com reports that Usher’s father, Usher Raymond III, passed at an Atlanta hospital this past Friday (January 18th). The website says it first heard of the death from the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Tennessee and that the singer’s reps have confirmed the death. No word on the cause of death. Usher, according to People, was unavailable for comment. The singer and his wife recently celebrated the birth of their son, Usher Raymond V. And it was also reported that he had recently made peace with his estranged father, who struggled with substance abuse and once spent nearly 1 year in prison. Our condolences go out to Usher and his family at this obviously painful time.

Travis Barker, famous for being the drummer of rock group Blink-182, has chosen Aubrey O’Day of Danity Kane as the new face of his Famous Stars and Straps clothing line. I can’t put my finger on it, but something about these photos just isn’t right! I’ve always thought Aubrey looked crazy as hell, so that’s not it. Maybe it’s her failed attempt at trying to be sexy? I don’t know. Can someone help me out? Lol. Catch Aubrey and Danity Kane on the new season of Making The Band 4 premiering Monday, Januarty 28th at 10pm on MTV. Thanks for the photos Kevin!

PHOTOS BY: EMMANUEL DUNAND FOR GETTY IMAGES

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States holiday marking the birthdate of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King’s birthday, January 15. It is one of four United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual person. King was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. He was assassinated in 1968. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. [SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA]

As we reflect on the life and accomplishments of Dr. King, take a minute or two to view his most famous speech, the “I Have a Dream” speech, which can be found under the cut. Happy King Day! You can also find photos of the Democratic candidates participating in a march to the state capitol building in Columbia, South Carolina. CONTINUE READING

The saga continues. I decided to make “Leave Me Alone” by Michael Jackson the throwback for today since it was released during this month and the year of my birthday (which is an honor). Many believed this song was about a woman, or something, but in actuality it was particularly about how the media portrayed him and nearly ruined his career. A lot of people thought that Britney Spears should have done a cover of the song but others thought she would “ruin it”. I personally disagree.

Anyway if you watch the video a few times MJ is clearly mocking the tabloids and their ridiculous rumors saying, “leave me alone!” He is even seen dancing with the “Elephant Man,” a stupid rumor once surfaced of Michael Jackson reportedly purchasing his bones. The video also takes place seemingly in an “amusement park” but it is really Michael Jackson portrayed as one, illustrating how the media makes a circus out of him most of the time. Interestingly enough this video was co-directed by Michael Jackson himself, keep in mind that computers were not even thought of at that time, making MJ ahead of his time; he hated mundane.

In conclusion Michael Jackson, the King of Pop and all that is Pop (literally speaking), is and will always be a legend, yes. He gives even more meaning to the quote, “Michael Jackson is an artist not a genre.” But we shall digress. I just cannot stress even that there will never be another quite like Michael. He is African-American, yes, he has a skin disorder. He is not a child molester, no, people just wanted money out of him - it is sad what people will do for money really. But, again, we shall digress. The most important part is his music and how he reaches entities through his wonderful, wonderful … wonderful art. He is the greatest, ever. Love you MJ <3.

Above is some smoking hot new pictures of Ashlee Simpson in promotion for her forthcoming album Bittersweet World (Geffen) in stores during the first quarter.

Here R&B songstress Alicia Keys covers rock band The Fray’s chart-topping single “How to Save a Life,” it peaked in the top 3 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. I don’t feel this was Alicia’s best, to be honest. The song just didn’t fit well with the singer’s usual sound to me, however, I did enjoy this cover.

Alicia Keys - “How to Save a Life” (cover) - page link // direct link

“Shake Your Pom Pom” is another song by Missy Elliott that will also appear on the Step Up 2 the Streets soundtrack. Although a snippet, I’m not really feelin’ this one from Missy, the beat is enticing though. “SYPP” is said to be a Timbaland/Danja production but neither has confirmed as of yet.

Missy Elliott - “Shake Your Pom Pom” (snippet) - page link // direct link

“This Must Be Love,” by R&B/pop singer Brandy, is a “rumored” song, produced by Bryan Michael-Cox, said to be included on her forthcoming album. Really, I’m just happy to be hearing new material from Brandy, it’s been son long, and when little snippets of this song flown around last year people were excited.

Brandy - “This Must Be Love” - page link // direct link

I don’t know if any of you remember me posting on J. Valentine but he’s a new R&Ber from the Bay Area who recently signed to J Records. “I Just Wanna” is a brand new sensual track that can be streamed below. I was highly impressed with “She’s Worth the Trouble” so ultimately I was anxious to hear more new material from Valentine. With this song I get a R. Kelly feel, real smooth and melodic.

J. Valentine - “I Just Wanna” (DJ) - page link // direct link

This is just an extra track I wanted to include from Duran Duran. The song is called “Tempted” and it was produced by Danja. This is my jam!

Duran Duran - “Tempted” - page link // direct link