Young Jeezy kicked off BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend and celebrated his birthday all at the same time with a very intimate event — only 50 people were invited — at radio personality Frank Ski‘s new restaurant and night lounge last night in Atlanta.

The rapper, who turned 33 years old Wednesday night (Sep 28), partied it up with the likes of Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and more.

Jeezy even showed up to the soiree, sponsored by Ciroc and Red Bull, with a new armpiece, model Jasmine Sanders (who dated Chris Brown in the past). And our homie FreddyO was on hand to capture all of the action!

Check out the pics below:

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICS @ FREDDYO.COM

Mariah Carey just gave birth to twins a little less 5 months ago … and she’s already back in the studio working on a new album!

The R&B diva’s longtime producer Jermaine Dupri posted photos of her in the studio with him on his Global 14 website.

“So happy to be back in the studio with the one & only @Mr_Dupri aka Jermash!” Mariah tweeted.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Nick Cannon confirmed that his wife is readying her next album, which will be released near the end of the year.

“She’s been working away, and we have a studio in the crib, and [the pregnancy] has totally inspired her on so many different levels,” he said. “You’re definitely gonna see some new phenomenal music from Mariah.”

The album will serve as the follow-up to her 12th studio album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” (released in 2009) and her second holiday album “Merry Christmas II” (released last year).

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon welcomed twins Monroe and Moroccan Scott on April 30th of this year.

Look at him now…

Jermaine Dupri has some new ink-work!

The record producer recently showed off his new music inspired tattoo.

Pretty cool, huh?

What do you think about JD’s new tattoo?

The 2011 BET Awards aired live from Los Angeles Sunday night (Jun 26) … and the best part of the entire show (in our opinion) was host Kevin Hart‘s extra funny “Real Husbands of Hollywood” comedy sketch!

The multi-part sketch, which along with Hart, also starred Bobby Brown, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Nick Cannon and Anthony Anderson parodied Bravo’s “Real Housewives” as well as VH1′s “Basketball Wives,” making fun of the some of the most hilarious moments on the reality shows.

Check out Parts 1 – 3 of the HILARIOUS sketch below:

Is Jermaine Dupri a dead beat dad? According to a new lawsuit filed by his baby mama, he is!

An Atlanta woman, who we hear is a stripper, is suing the music producer over missed child support payments after a judge recently ordered him to pay her.

Back in March, Dupri was ordered to pay $2,500 per month in addition to a lump sum of $7,500 to Sarai Jones after a paternity test determined him to be the father of her 7-month old daughter.

While JD’s lawyer declined to comment, Jones’ attorney Randy Kessler says his client hopes that she and the Grammy Award winning producer “can work together to co-parent their beautiful baby girl.”

Unfortunately for Jermaine, this lawsuit comes at the worst possible time. His mansion is up for foreclosure and was set to be auctioned off last week, but the sale was canceled at the last minute.

And not only that, but according to recent reports, the Georgia Department of Revenue claims that Dupri, who brought in $12 million in 2006, owes the state nearly $500,000 in back taxes for 2007.

Sounds like somebody needs to get their money right ASAP!

Sidenote: You think this illegitimate child was one the reasons behind his split was Janet Jackson a couple of years back?

Fresh out of the slammer and already Da Brat and her big bro Jermaine Dupri have come through with a banger. The So So Def duo hopped on Chris Brown’s hit “Look at Me Now” and killed it!

Don’t believe us? Then simply click below and take a listen for yourselves:

After spending three years behind bars, Da Brat has been sprung from prison!

Da Brat (real name: Shawntae Harris) had been serving time due to an assault charge, and although information on her release is very scarce, rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri (a good friend of hers) made a public announcement this week that she is finally out.

In October 2007, Harris was found guilty of assault after allegedly attacking a waitress at a nightclub in Atlanta. The femcee was ultimately sentenced to 3 years in prison, 200 hours of community service and 7 years probation.

It’ll be interesting to see what Da Brat does now that she’s a free woman. We wonder what she thinks about that whole “Nicki Minaj” vs. “Lil Kim” beef and whose side she’s on!

Thoughts?

Rapper Nelly and R&B singer Ashanti appeared to be boo’d up Sunday night (Dec 19) at Nelly’s 2010 Black & White Ball. The 5th annual charity event was held at the Chase Park Plaza’s Khorassan Ballroom in St. Louis (Nelly’s hometown) and featured performances from Ashanti, who later invited her rumored boyfriend Nelly onstage for a duet, and a serenade to a new Ashanti song titled “If I Was Your Girlfriend.”

Other folks at the gala were Nelly’s brother, rapper City Spud, and rapper Jermaine Dupri (who co-hosted and deejayed at the the event. Nelly presented full scholarships to students Lindenwood University, a college nearby.

Check out 10+ pics from the event below, and continue reading for the video footage of Ashanti serenading Nelly…

Rapper T.I. and his wife Tiny were boo’d up Friday night (Aug 13) at the Axe Lounge in Southampton, New York. The happy couple just got married last month in Miami.

NBA ballers Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade attended the Jordan Brand Breakfast Club Finale during the World Basketball Festival at Rucker Park in New York City.

Jermaine Dupri was in DJ mode at the WWE SummerSlam Kickoff Party at the Tropicana Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.

Singer Ke$ha, who is currently on tour with Rihanna, recorded an appearance/concert on NBC’s “Today Show” at the Rockefeller Center in NYC.

Actress/TV personality Tori Spelling hosted a book-signing for her new book “Unchartered Terri-TORI” at Borders bookstore in Town Square in Las Vegas, NV.

Actresses Sanaa Lathan and Jurnee Smollett attended the 9th Annual InStyle Summer Soiree Thursday (Aug 12) in Los Angeles.

Carmelo Anthony and rapper Jadakiss partied it up at Greenhouse in New York City at the after-party for Rihanna‘s concert earlier that night at Madison Square Garden. (Check out home boy in the back trying to sneak into the picture! LOL!!)

Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta posed for pics on the red carpet of the 10th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala in Century City, CA.

And rappers/actors Bow Wow and Ice Cube kicked it at the after-party following the premiere of their new movie “The Lottery Ticket” in Hollywood.

Actors Brandon T. Jackson, Naturi Naughton and Bow Wow, stars of Warner Bros. latest film “The Lottery Ticket,” linked up and posed for photos together on the red carpet of the premiere of their brand new movie last Thursday evening (Aug 12) in Hollywood, CA at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Lots of other celebs were at the premiere as well, including Jermaine Dupri, Ice Cube, Diddy, Terry Crews, Lance Gross, Teairra Mari, Tia Mowry & her husband Cory Hardrict, Angela Simmons and more.

Check out 15+ pictures of folks on the red carpet of the “Lottery Ticket” movie premiere in Hollywood below and when you continue reading…

Rapper turned actor Bow Wow poses with his on-screen co-stars Naturi Naughton and Brandon T. Jackson as the trio walk the red carpet of a screening of their new movie “Lottery Ticket” Monday night (Aug 9) at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA. The new movie also stars Loretta Devine, Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Terry Crews and more, and is due to be released in theaters near the end of this month (Fri. Aug 20th).

Also spotted at Monday night’s ATL screening of “Lottery Ticket” were Ciara, Jermaine Dupri, Dondria and Allen Iverson. Check out 10+ pics (via FreddyO) below…

MORE PICS @ FREDDYO.COM

Yesterday we posted pics of T.I. and Tiny partying it up at Cameo nightclub in Miami, FL with their friends Saturday night (Jul 31) following their wedding earlier in the day.

The whole wedding party, including folks like Rihanna, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Jermaine Dupri and more hopped on a bus following the reception and headed to the club to celebrate Tip and Tiny’s union. Also, note how Nelly and Ashanti walked into the club hand-in-hand. Looks like they’re back together!

Check out the video footage below:

We know by now you’re probably tired of all of this wedding business, but don’t shoot the messenger! We can’t help so many celebrities chose this past weekend as THE weekend to get hitched. But anyway……

As you and everyone in the world knows by now, T.I. and Tiny got married in two separate ceremonies over the weekend. The first was simply a courthouse wedding in Miami Beach Friday (Jul 30) with just the bride and groom, along with a witness present, while the second was a lavish service, also held in Miami, but on Saturday (Jul 31) at mansion in front of hundreds of close friends and family members. (Check out pics from the reception HERE!)

And after the party was the after party as T.I. and Tiny celebrated their new status as husband and wife by partying with some of their celebrity friends at Club Cameo in Miami, FL following their wedding reception. Some of the famous faces spotted in the club were Rihanna, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Jermarine Dupri and Nelly.

Peep a few pics of the newlyweds partying with their celebrity friends in Miami below…

Photos: The 400 Life

Songwriters were honored Friday night (Jun 25) during the 23rd Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, which was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. R&B singer Ne-Yo, along with the songwriting/production team Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Terius “The Dream” Nash, were presented with the night’s top honor: “Songwriter of the Year,” while rapper Dr. Dre was honored with the “Founders Award,” which was presented to him by his good friend Eminem.

Other celebrities and honorees at Friday night’s ASCAP awards were Jermaine Dupri, his artist Dondria, singer Janelle Monae, rapper Gucci Mane (who performed during the show) and more. Even Ron Artest from the Los Angeles Lakers made a random appearance at the 2010 ASCAP awards.

Check out 10+ pics from the 23rd Annual ASCAP Awards below…

The 2010 VH1 Hip-Hop Honors went down Thursday (Jun 3) in New York City and featured guest appearances and performances from Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, Drake, T.I., Fabolous, Nelly, Gucci Mane, Missy Elliott, Kelly Rowland, Lauren London and more.

This year’s show honored the Dirty South Hip-Hop movement. Check out 20+ pics from the 2010 VH1 Hip-Hop Honors, set to air this coming Monday (Jun 7) at 9 pm, below and when you continue reading…

R&B singer Ciara was one of many celebrities who showed up Wednesday night (May 19) at the Maxim Magazine Hot 100 Party at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.

Kanye’s girl Amber Rose (without Kanye, as usual lately), Tila Tequila, Mario and more were also spotted at the event. And rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri provided guests with tunes as the DJ for the evening.

Check out 10+ pictures from the Maxim Hot 100 Party in LA below…

Jermaine Dupri recently spoke on whether or not Janet Jackson will be putting out an entire album anytime soon, and according to the Atlanta rapper/producer, don’t get your hopes up.

Will you be involved in Janet Jackson’s next project?
I can tell you that she’s not working on an album. We just did the one song (“Nothing”) for the Why Did I Get Married Too soundtrack, which was released off of So So Def. Last time I heard she really didn’t want to do an album. She wanted to just do singles every once in a while. She’s looked at the marketplace—albums are not really doing what they usually do when you put all this budget out there. Janet is just trying to figure out her landscape. But the crazy part is “Nothing” is the biggest format record that I’ve ever had. It’s playing on seven different formats: gospel, AC, urban AC, urban mainstream, jazz and top 40 and rhythmic. I never had a record on a jazz station. I’m out here in LA and the biggest jazz station out here, The Wave, you know, that station when you go to hotels and you don’t know what station the radio in your room is on? This record is on that station [laughs].

How is Janet holding up?
She’s cool. She has a lot of work going on that’s keeping her in the right direction. The movie came out, which is the biggest Tyler Perry movie he has had thus far. It looks like her star power as an actress is still there. And she’s about to do the other movie (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf) with Mariah, Kerry Washington, Whoopi Goldberg and few others. They will be shooting that in June. And then she’s performing at the Essence Festival, so she’s rehearsing for that every day.

VIBE MAGAZINE

Jermaine Dupri is hoping to lead the production team behind R&B singer Mariah Carey‘s upcoming 13th studio album and tells Rap-Up.com that he’s in the early stages of recording Mimi’s follow-up to her 2009 album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.

“We started last week and we don’t take long when we get in, so hopefully a single before the end of the year,” he told Rap-Up.com. Bryan-Michael Cox and Johnta Austin are also involved with Mimi’s new music.

Meanwhile, Mariah is also working on a Christmas album and did a shoot for it with photographer to the stars David LaChapelle.

Hip-hop represented over the weekend in Atlanta for “Converse Takeover Weekend.” The first event was the Converse Tip-Off, which was held at the Georgia Freight Room Friday (Apr 30) and was attended by Jermaine Dupri, Young Money artist Shanell, model/actress Melyssa Ford and more.

The following day (Sat. May 1), rappers Cam’ron and Jim Jones put their differences aside and suited up as “The Jones Family” team at the Converse Band of Ballers celebrity basketball tournament at Clark Atlanta University. The pair confirmed to Miss Info that they were trying to work things out and reconcile their differences:

“Above all, me and Cam, we still brothers. And we’re building on getting back on track but first, I apologize for being a rude brother, for saying things publicly without first trying to handle them privately…”

SOURCE

Other celebrity bball players at the game were Jermaine Dupri (who headed the “So So Def” team) and rappers Shawty Lo (who led the “Southern Hospitality” team) and O.J. da Juiceman. O’Zone magazine founder Julia Beverly, Sirius XM Shade 45 radio personality Angela Yee and TV/radio host Kenny Burns were also spotted at the game. The final competing teams in the championship game was Jim Jones’ the Jones Family versus Shawty Lo’s Southern Hospitality team with the Jones Family taking the win with a final score of 10 to 5.

Check out 15+ pictures of everyone below…

Photos: Getty Images / Wire Image / FreddyO

The 23rd Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards went down over the weekend (Sat. Mar 27) and a ton of stars (including Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Will Smith and his family, Swizz Beatz and his sons, Snoop Dogg and his family, Jermaine Dupri and his daughter, Keke Palmer and more) came out to the Pauley Pavilian at UCLA, where the show (hosted by actor/comedian Kevin James) was held, to see who would take home one of those famous orange blimps in categories like “Cutest Couple,” “Favorite TV Show,” “Favorite Song,” “Favorite Movie,” “Favorite Female/Male Singers” and more. Hit up Nick.com for the complete list of winners for the 2010 Kids’ Choice Awards, and check out pics from the red carpet (and the show) below and when you continue reading!

There were many celebrities and athletes spotted in Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, TX Sunday night (Feb. 14) watching the 2010 All-Star Game from their VIP court-side seats. Drake, Gabrielle Union, Lala Vazquez, Chris Tucker, Diddy, Common, Ludacris and many more were all seated amongst the biggest crowd in All-Star Weekend’s history enjoying the match, which ended with The East defeating the West with a final score of 141 to 139. Check out the pics below and after cut…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

With the help of Volkswagen, Maxim Magazine hosted a pre-Super Bowl party in Miami, FL Saturday night (Feb 6) at The Raleigh that drew in celebrities from all over.

Folks like Bow Wow, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, LL Cool J and more came through to party it up the day before the Super Bowl and add their signature to the VW GTI parked on the red carpet. With each signature, Volkswagen will make a donation to Doctors Without Borders.

More pics of celebs partying with Maxim and VW below and after the cut…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

The guys pictured above, along with producer Bryan Michael Cox, have a new show in the works. They’re calling it a male version of ABC’s “The View” and Nelly‘s the driving force behind it all.

He announced that he is developing a talk show with a few of his hip-hop and R&B cohorts. Nelly explains, quote, “It’s me, Jermaine Dupri, Trey Songz, Johnta Auston, Brian Michael Cox and Tyrone ‘International’ Davis(JD’s Right Hand Man). We’re working on kind of like the male version of ‘The View.’” Nelly says he has always wanted to branch out, but turned down a lot of previous offers because, quote, “I felt I wasn’t ready yet.” He adds, quote, “I never want to disrespect the culture and the thing that is acting, thinking just because I’m Nelly I’m going to transition and be good at it.”

FREDDYO

Nelly is also said to be working on his sixth studio album, which is currently untitled and expected to be released later this year. No word on when the show will premiere.

While the details of their personal, romantic relationship is unknown, Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson are teaming up with Bryan Michael Cox for JJ’s next album, the follow up to Discipline, released in 2008.

“I’m producing Janet’s album with Jermaine and it’s going to be hot,” B. Cox told Rap-Up.com at Tricky Stewart’s pre-Grammy party last Friday. “That’s all I can say so far.” His producing partner Kendrick “WyldCard” Dean also chimed in, adding, “Some great collabos on there,” but didn’t disclose further details.

Janet has been in the studio with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins working on her 11th studio album, due this year on A&M Records.

Ryan Leslie, Melanie Fiona and Jadakiss posed for pics as they hung out together backstage at the Power Live concert at New York City’s Highline Ballroom last Tuesday night (Dec 22).

We have more from Melanie and Ryan, along with new flicks of Gabourey Sidibe, Juelz Santana, Lloyd Banks, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Jermaine Dupri and more when you continue reading!

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE / WENN

The Queen of Pop Janet Jackson invited ABC’s cameras to the set of her “Make Me” video and here a re a few video clips of some behind the scene footage of the Janet & her dancers filming the clip! Janet’s Number Ones compilation project hit stores this past Tuesday (Nov 17) and this is the lead single from the album.

This song is kind of hot!

Janet did a radio interview Tuesday morning with a station in D.C. and in an attempt to blast the rumors of she and Jermaine getting back together, she revealed that the pair were only friends and are NOT together:

95.5 WPGC D.C.: Now I wanna ask … you just mentioned Jermaine, and there are so many rumors going around. I don’t even know if you care to even talk about it. But, any plans on getting married?

Janet Jackson: No, I know the rumor that you’re talking about, and we’re not together. We never got back together. He’s still one of my best friends though, so people will see us together and in doing so, [people say] ‘Oh they’re together.’ But no, we’re not. I love that man.

WPGC: Aww…

Janet: I adore him, I really do. And he’s such a sweetheart. but no … we’re not together.

Continue reading to see the behind the scenes video!

Trey Songz, Nelly and Jermaine Dupri of “Ocean’s 7″ released their new music video for “I Need That Girl” over the weekend. Magic City must love all the free promotion ATL rappers give them! You’ll see what we’re talking about when you continue reading to peep the video.

People Magazine has confirmed that Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri are back still together, despite Janet openly speaking out about her relationship with Jermaine shortly after her brother Michael Jackson‘s death for the first time in Harper’s Baazar claiming that she was single:

Janet is also now single, recently breaking off her seven-year relationship with music producer, Jermaine Dupri. Does she still believe in marriage? “For [some] people, sure! I don’t know if I’ll get married again. [She's been married twice, as a teen to James DeBarge and to choreographer René Elizondo.] I’ll put it like this: If God wants me to, then I will.” Dating? “Yeah, I’ve had people ask me out. I haven’t entertained any offers thus far, but I’m locking myself in my work right now.” Some might say boys smell anyway. “Yeah, they stink,” she chuckles, “and they’re dirty.”

But an inside source tells people:

“They never really broke up,” source says, “Jermaine wanted to give her space when Michael died.”

SOURCE

But before People confirmed this story JD’s long time friend, Bow Wow stated he fury against the media speculating about the break up and confirmed their intact relationship via UStream on July 23, 2009. Check out the video rant after the cut.

Here are some more snapshots of celebrities dressed up for Halloween…

Ice T’s wife Coco and singer Rihanna posed for this pic together at a party at M2 Ultralounge in NYC.

Bow Wow, Jermaine Dupri, B Cox and Nelly took this picture before they hit up JD and Dallas Austin’s mansion party in Atlanta Saturday night (Oct 31).

Beyonce and her tour crew dressed up for Halloween. Bey chose to go as Spiderman(woman).

Jay-Z opted to wear a Jason mask at his concert in Toronto Saturday night (Oct 31) at the Air Canada Centre.

Rapper Trina took this picture before heading out to a party in Miami.

Actress Elise Neal, went out dressed as a “French Maid.”

BET personalities Terrence J and Rocsi took this picture on the set of their show, 106 & Park. Terrence was rapper Lil Wayne and Rocsi was pop singer Lady Gaga.

Free (one of the original hosts of BET’s 106 & Park) posted this picture to her Twitter of her dressed as a Burlesque model. Free is now a radio personality and she hosts NYC radio station Power 105.1′s morning show.

Antonia Carter (from BET’s Tiny & Toya). Not sure who she was dressed up as…

And Kim Zolciak, Lisa Wu Hartwell and Kandi Burruss from BRAVO’s Real Housewives of Atlanta hosted a Halloween party in the ATL Saturday night (Oct 31).

Janet Jackson has publicly said herself that she’s “single,” so we’re not sure why this picture of her and Jermaine Dupri together popped up over the weekend. Apparently JD went with Janet to Milan, Italy for fashion week and the two of them were photographed (together) at a private party hosted by Donatella Versace Friday night (Sep 25).

So are these two rekindling their romance? We can’t say 100% because it’s just a picture. But for the sake of that big azz tattoo Jermaine has on the side of his body, we hope they can at least TRY to work things out…

Last week reports surfaced that Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri had ended their seven-year relationship but according to Pop Tarts, the two are just on a little break and will “be back together in full force very soon.”

“Jermaine has decided to take a step back and cool things off but they aren’t totally broken up,” said an insider, adding that keeping his distance from the press and Jackson family is his way of dealing with death and tragedy.

We’re told Jackson and Dupri’s romance turned rocky last September when Janet’s album “Discipline” (produced by her beau) flopped and she was then released from her contract with label Island Def Jam per her request. To make matters worse, at the time Dupri was President of the label’s Urban Music division, although he stepped down in January of this year. But despite the hiccups, the music moguls worked through it and just a few weeks prior to Michael’s death they even enjoyed a getaway together in Monaco along with Jermaine Jackson and his partner Halima Rashid.

“They will be back together in full force very soon,” said a source.

Janet told Pop Tarts last year that although Dupri was “the one” she had no intention of tying-the-knot.

“In this day and age, I feel we don’t need that piece of paper. For myself I don’t need that to validate what I have with someone,” she said. “It’s about a spiritual commitment and finding your soul mate and not really exchanging vows with one another, that’s enough for me at least.” Another source close to Dupri said that about a month before MJ died he made the decision to “take a break” as they wanted different things.

“Janet wanted to start a family but that’s not what Jermaine wanted,” said the pal. “But everyone is confident they will work it out.”

A rep for the pair did not respond for comment.

We sure do hope they patch things up and get back together! Especially since Jermaine has Janet’s face on the side of his body…

A make-up-less Keyshia Cole stopped for a picture backstage with Broadway actors Tshidi Manaya (L) and Ta’rea (R) at “The Lion King on Broadway” at Minskoff Theater Sunday evening (Jul 12) in New York City.

We also grabbed photos of Jermaine Dupri partying it up and deejying at M2 Ultra Lounge, Dwyane Wade & Alonzo Mourning at the Summer Groove Basketball Clinic, Cedric the Entertainer performing at the Summer Groove Comedy Jam and more!

Continue reading for all of the pics.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE / WENN

Jermaine Dupri took to his personal blog Tuesday to announce his new “rib cage” tattoo, which is by far one of the most painful places to get tatted up we hear!

THIS IS ME ON THE TABLE TWITTERING WITH YALL WHILE I’M GETTING MY RIB CAGE DONE. THIS IS THE LONGEST I HAVE EVER SAT FOR A TAT, I HAD TO TAKE 100 BREAKS CAUSE THAT SHIT HURT LIKE HELL. SHOUT OUT TO MY MAN JUN CHA. I TOLD YALL I WAS GETTING SOMETHING BY HIM. IF YOU EVA IN LA AND YOU SERIOUS ABOUT TATTOOS YOU NEED TO HOLLA AT HIM.

The tattoo is of his woman Janet Jackson, which clearly is a silent (but very permanent) way of him saying that she’s going to be his forever. Why else would you get someone’s face put on your body? Love is a powerful thing, y’all!

But if he likes it … we love it! And we hear Janet does too. More pics when you continue reading.

Rappers Young Jeezy, T.I. and Nelly hit up Saturday night’s Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Playoff Game (Game 4) at the Philips Arena in ATL. Keyshia Cole was also in attendance and sang the National Anthem before the opening tip.

And the house was PACKED with black star power! Continue reading to peep even more photos of Jermaine Dupri, Polow Da Don and Monica also enjoying the game via their exclusive high-priced celebrity courtside seats (yes, we ARE hating).

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE // NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Ciara waved at photographers Saturday as she had lunch with a friend at Rouge Tomate Saturday afternoon in New York City.

Later Saturday evening CiCi was spotted by the NYC paps while she was out and about in Times Square.

Jermaine Dupri was spotted in Beverly Hills Saturday.

The paparazzi snapped some photos of Tyrese as he made his way through LAX airport in Los Angeles Saturday.

Tony Parker and Eva Longoria looked like two deers caught in headlights Friday night as they exited popular celebrity hot spot Katsuya Restaurant in Hollywood.

The paps snapped some pics of 50 Cent as he left Play N Trade in New York Thursday afternoon. He was there to promote his new video game “50 Cent: Blood on the Sand.”

Keri Hilson was spotted looking hella colorful (peep the shades too, haha) as she left Mr. Chow’s restaurant in London last Thursday.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES // FILM MAGIC // BAUER GRIFFIN ONLINE

Either he was really tired or really drunk, but Jermaine Dupri was caught passed out d-e-a-d snoring in the hallway after a Bow Wow’s album release party last night. This was all caught on the “sleep cam” and posted to JD’s Living the Life YouTube channel. Check out the video when you continue reading!

MySpace and Power 105.1 FM hosted Bow Wow‘s album release party for his latest album, New Jack City II, in stores now. The party was held at Santos Party House in New York and Jermaine Dupri rolled through to perform. Continue reading for the rest of the pics.

PHOTOS: WENN

Rapper Soulja Boy and Romeo stop for a photo on the red carpet of the 2009 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, held this past Saturday in Los Angeles at the Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, CA.

Other celebrities rolled through included Jermaine Dupri, Tyrese, Usher, Keke Palmer, Russell Simmons and more. Continue reading for the rest of the pics.

PHOTOS: WENN / WIRE IMAGE

It’s been a while since we’ve seen these two out and about together! Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri, were spotted out and about walking the streets of Manhattan, NYC Wednesday evening. The two were spotted as they left The Waverly Inn. Continue reading for the rest of the photos.

Rapper Bow Wow celebrated his 22nd birthday with a party at Studio 54 inside MGM Grand Hotel Casino in Las Vegas Saturday night. Bow’s mentor Jermaine Dupri hit up the party too. Continue reading for more pics.

Peep this video of Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin, Bryan Michael Cox and JD’s assistant Tyrone, collectively known as “The Ocean 5 Crew,” clowning Christina Milian for rocking that blonde wig at the Hawks/Cavaliers game in ATL, in addition to talking about the Chris Brown and Rihanna situation, calling the young teens a modern day Ike & Tina. The video was originally posted to Jermaine Dupri’s YouTube account as a part of his “Living the Life” vlog series, but he has since then removed it. Luckily, the CNN of Urban Media (aka World Star Hip Hop) grabbed it and upped it to their site.

Halfway through the video, JD mentions them “having drinks” before filming, which is pretty obvious, especially with Usher shouting and acting a fool through most of the video. Even though the things they were saying were pretty effed up, we had no choice but to laugh. We’re sorry, but the sh*t was funny!

We’ve got mad love for Jermaine Dupri but you have to admit … the picture to the right is comedic gold! The hip-hop entrepreneur just launched “Pop Watch,” a new line of watches with a unique style. The faces have crazy designs and one of the watches has numbers all over of them. If you’re familiar with the “Pop Art” graphic concept (Google it), you’ll understand the inspiration for the watches’ name and design. Continue reading for more pics from the launch at the MAGIC Marketplace, an annual fashion and apparel trade show in Las Vegas.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

Ciroc Vodka must have had Phoenix on lock this weekend because they hosted yet ANOTHER party at the W Hotel. The second party was also hosted by 944 Magazine (who co-hosted the first party). And your girl Aubrey O’Day was front and center, and you know she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Other celebrity attendees included: Akon, Common (who also performed), Jermaine Dupri and more. Continue reading to peep the rest of the pics!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

Jermaine Dupri has made it known that he isn’t speaking out about his abrupt departure from Def Jam records because he’s bitter. In an exclusive interview with Essence, the rapper said that he owes it to his fans that see him every day on the Internet. He also mentioned how he feels as if Def Jam is one big clique and the fact that he hasn’t spoken with L.A. Reid in over 3 months.

ESSENCE.COM: The blogosphere has been abuzz recently about your exit from Island Def jam Records as president of urban music. Why did you leave the label?

JERMAINE DUPRI: It was a situation where it felt very stagnant to me. As a person who is used to putting out new records and continuing to do that, it just wasn’t turning over as being that place to me where I should stick to it and see if it was going to turn around.

ESSENCE.COM: What would you say was your biggest problem with the label?

JERMAINE DUPRI: It wasn’t giving me the open door that I thought it was going to. It wasn’t aggressive enough and it was a big letdown for me. I thought I was going to a place that understood the times we were in as a music business and how aggressive we needed to be with putting out new projects and records. This is the reason I’m speaking out; not because I’m bitter, but because I owe it to my fans that see me every day on the Internet. I wanted to let them know because they’ve left a lot of comments on my YouTube saying, “JD, you talk about everything else; why aren’t you talking about this [label] situation?”

ESSENCE.COM: There’s hearsay that your brief tenure was plagued by meager sales and a lack of new talent which resulted in the label ousting you. Is that true?

JERMAINE DUPRI: Island [Def Jam Records] is going to say what makes them look good. They are not going to tell the truth and say, “He just stopped dealing with us on a daily basis.” If you don’t put out my records, that’s all I have as a person. I’m a record person, so if I give you a record and you don’t put it out, then basically you’re showing me that it’s really no business. I never got a chance to put the records out. I had Johnta Austin, Ninth Ward and Dondria. I read the blogs and I’m thinking, How can they say that I’m not putting out records when anyone who knows my track record knows I’m about making music? My biggest problem is that I’m still the youngest president to have this kind of success. Music is my life. I’m a person who continues to carve out my own way. Instead of watching things happen, I make them happen. If L.A. [Reid] gets fired at Def Jam (he’s 20 years older than me) where is he going to go? Many of the people at the label; if their bosses were to fire them today, they don’t have anything else to do. Their lives are over. I’m not that dude. Life ain’t over for me.

ESSENCE.COM: So do you think it has to do with this struggle between old school versus new school?

JERMAINE DUPRI: I’m dealing with a lot of jealousy and have been since I first came in the business. When you’re younger they don’t want to listen to you because they know you are keener and people listen to the younger person in the office. In corporate America, this is something that I started feeling a lot. I’m keener as to what is going on in the streets, the Internet and all over the place. In a room full of people, I’ll have more answers than anyone else because I’m out there and know what’s going on, so people start paying more attention to what you’re doing. And that’s another thing: the music business thrives on young music, young ideas, newness and freshness. We have a bunch of old guys running all the record companies and they get in these meetings and argue with these young people like myself about what we know and try to make us believe that what we’re doing won’t work. I don’t see them beating the streets to find any of the artists. Matter of fact, I never see these people out anywhere because they are still living off the old times. When you have a 10- to 20-year gap, that’s a big difference, and that’s a lot of what I’m dealing with. Bow Wow is 21 years old, which means he’s 30 years younger than a lot of the chairmen of these labels.

ESSENCE.COM: You have a proven track record and have run a successful independent label since you were a teenager, and Island created this position for you. Do you think this situation could have been avoided had you taken over Jay-Z’s position at Def Jam?

JERMAINE DUPRI: When they gave Shakir Stewart (rest in peace) Jay-Z’s job [as President of Def Jam], I never wanted to work for Def Jam. That’s why Island Urban Music was created from day one. I always considered my label, So So Def, a direct competitor to Def Jam when Russell Simmons owned the company. I was always watching them as my competition; trying to do what they did and to do it just as good. So working for another label would be like my automatic death situation as a label owner. Everyone was trying to get that position—Irv Gotti, everyone. I wasn’t calling L.A. because I wasn’t jockin’ for the position. My nickname is Anakin Sky Walker because I always felt like I was the next person to be one of the front-runners in the business. Then I saw “Star Wars” and saw exactly what had turned Dark Vader into who he is. He became who he is because they were supposed to turn him into a powerful Jedi, but they told him it wasn’t time yet. I think that’s what L.A. did with me. He showed me that I was only playing a role because [he didn't believe] it was time for me to be a Jedi. I was working in a place where they didn’t want to give that role to a younger person.

ESSENCE.COM: Do you think there’s a need for the changing of the old guard?

JERMAINE DUPRI: There are so many people that want to make young urban music but don’t have the resources. I’m a threat because I don’t just sign artists—I find them, produce and have a marketing plan all in one. They are not doing that or paying attention to what’s going on because all they do is get in their cars and go home. They don’t take the time to understand the growth and where these kids are.

ESSENCE.COM: Was it an amicable parting?

JERMAINE DUPRI: I haven’t spoken to L.A. [Reid] in three months. I don’t know if it’s amicable [considering] that they claim they put me out. I feel like it’s not amicable. Don’t lie, be real about the situation. It goes back to their having the attitude of let’s try and do something that’s going to hurt this person, because if it hurts us we have nowhere to go after this, but he does and has at least another 20 more years in this business. Again, if L.A. [Reid] gets fired, there will be at least another ten people who will also get fired and we’ll never see them again. Def Jam is like one big clique.

ESSENCE.COM: Although it’s been three months since you’ve spoken to L.A. Reid, would you be open to reconciliation?

JERMAINE DUPRI: I don’t know. I saw a side of him that I had never seen before and that to me was a jealous side. I don’t know if I should be around people who are jealous of me. Mariah Carey sold more records in that entire Def Jam building and all of that was through my singles; so I’m looking like the golden boy. I only started thinking about it after I left.

ESSENCE.COM: Does Janet support your decision?

JERMAINE DUPRI: We don’t get down like that. She’s Janet Jackson without Jermaine Dupri and vice versa. That’s how we met doing our own thing. I talk to her about some things but it is what it is. I have to stay in my own lane—that’s where Bobby Brown messed up. (Laughs.)

ESSENCE.COM: Gossipmongers speculate that your departure was inevitable after Janet Jackson left because you left Virgin Urban Music after Janet left to go to Def Jam. Did Janet’s departure from Island influence your decision in any way?

JERMAINE DUPRI: No, not really. For a while I had to figure out the bad part about Janet’s departure. She was on Island Def Jam and no one ever heard me speak on the situation. Here I’m still working in the building with the people that aren’t treating my girlfriend right, but I never let my business and her business get mixed up. She might have been upset about me still being around, but it was never a situation where I was like, “This is bad; I have to move because of this.” Janet was handled through L.A. He chased her because he wanted to get her on the label so bad, and when things didn’t go right he had a scapegoat for her whole album [not doing well]—me. But what people don’t know is that Janet’s whole album was designed and made by him. He picked every song. I produced two songs on the entire album. I had a better track record with her at Virgin.

ESSENCE.COM: When it comes to your passion for music you are strongly convicted about what you will and won’t tolerate. What happened with the Grammy Board?

JERMAINE DUPRI: The same thing happened—they let me down. I was the president of the Atlanta chapter. The Grammys chose not to have Janet on the show because of the whole Super Bowl incident. Now, here I am as the president, and you think when you’re in that position you can impact and change things. Once they showed me that being a president didn’t mean that, I left.

ESSENCE.COM: Will you continue to helm Tag Records, a partnership between Island Def Jam and Tag Body Spray?

JERMAINE DUPRI: I don’t know what’s going to happen and that’s the saddest part in dealing with these situations. They try to keep the group to hurt the person who brought these artists to them. The truth is, I can always find another artist but the artist can not find another me. I have to be in a forward motion. One of my biggest focuses is that if you want to do new things you can’t do old things. I can’t be around people that don’t motivate and that’s what happened: a slow motion of people living off checks with no excitement. I’m into excitement.

ESSENCE.COM: As one of the most respected producers and songwriters in the biz you are often the focus of many rumors; one of them is that you and Janet Jackson are expecting a child. Is that true?

JERMAINE DUPRI: That’s false. The media doesn’t care about publicists anymore. I had my publicist send out a written statement about it. No babies, nothing.

ESSENCE.COM: Do you and Janet plan to start a family?

JERMAINE DUPRI: Yeah, of course. That’s going happen. We have to keep our careers and get all the rigmarole out the way but yes, that’s something that will definitely happen.

ESSENCE.COM: And can we expect you and Janet to continue your musical alliance at another label.

JERMAINE DUPRI: Absolutely. We’re going to always do that.

Our boy Jermaine Dupri was spotted enjoying lunch at the Ivy on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon. News broke earlier today that he had been removed from his post as President of Island Def Jam’s urban music division. He held the position for nearly two years, a source revealed to All Hip Hop. No word yet on whether or not this will affect his TAG Records venture. Oh, and I’d also like to note the fact that Janet Jackson is nowhere to be seen… Continue reading for the rest of the pics!

PHOTOS: WENN

Bow Wow has just premiered his new music video to his latest single, “Roc Da Mic,” featuring Jermaine Dupri. The new track is definitely a banger! You usually don’t hear Bow Wow flow so smooth. Bow Wow’s upcoming album, New Jack City Pt. II, is set to be released in March 2009. Make sure you check out the video and tell us what you think!

Beyonce and Jay-Z together, without a doubt, is the definition of “black love.” For our generation at least! They’ve been together for over 5 years, and have close to $170 million in the bank (combined), making them Hollywood’s richest couple! Much of their relationship is kept private, but their lives as celebrities, coupled with their fame and huge success as artists and entrepreneurs, makes it hard not to want to know more about them! We put them at the top of our list this time last year, but the only difference between then and now is that they are married. The two decided to tie the knot in a “private” ceremony in April 2008. And if you were around and living on planet earth, you definitely heard about it! After People.com announced that the two had taken out a marriage license in New York, the events that happened the weekend of April 4th 2008 were inevitable. After several black SUVs with heavily tinted windows were seen entering Jay-Z’s Manhattan apartment, in addition to the dozens of vans bringing in wedding decorations, we all knew what was going on.

Every paparazzo in the world set up shop outside of the apartment and snapped photos of Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s sister), Tina & Mathew Knowles (Beyonce’s parents), Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Irv Gotti, and more entering the apartment building’s ground-level garage. The list went on and on, but after seeing all of these people entering one place, we knew Beyonce and Jay-Z were DEFINITELY getting married. People.com actually confirmed it the next morning, and shortly after, we spotted the two wearing their wedding bands. These two getting married was definitely the talk of the blogosphere for the months to follow. And even though “Jayonce” never really confirmed their wedding, in several interviews that followed (Oprah, The Tyra Banks show, Essence Magazine, etc.) they were referred to as husband and wife, and neither contested it. But these two are the same people who never confirmed their initial relationship, so we’re definitely used to it!

Who else made the cut as GOT‘s hottest couples of 2008? Continue reading to see!

Next to Beyonce and Jay-Z, Chris Brown and Rihanna are definitely a power couple in the black blogosphere! In what may have started out as an innocent case of “puppy love” – or a publicity stunt, whatever you’d like to call it – these two have definitely grown together as a symbol of “teenage love,” as noted in Chris Brown’s song “Young Love.” Whether they’re spotted handling each other’s acne issues, spending time together on the set of a music video, arriving at at an airport, or even jet-skiing in Barbados, these two are guaranteed to garner tons of attention from the paparazzi. And once their photos hit the blogs, tons of pageviews and comments promptly follow.

Pregnancy rumors, break-up rumors and anything else you can think of surround this next couple – Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri. Right now, they’re both denying that they’re pregnant and have broken up, but only time will tell what’s really going on. Throughout the year 2008, these two were spotted at fashion shows in Paris, and you could catch them hanging out together on JD’s Youtube channel in his “Living the Life” series while Janet toured North America. Are they expecting a baby? Have they really broken up? We’ll just have to see what 2009 brings for one of our favorite couples of 2008!

CONTINUE READING TO PAGE 2 FOR MORE!

Is that Spike Lee and Bow Wow on the set of a music video together? Oh, wait … that’s Jermaine Dupri! Easy mistake to make, right? Well, anyway, the two were spotted on the set of Bow Wow’s new music last Friday (Dec. 19th) for his latest single, “Roc the Mic.” The video was filmed in Los Angeles and directed by the extremely talented Hype Williams. More photos when you continue reading…

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

When JD and his people found out about the club using his name without permission, they contacted Elite Entertainment Group, asking that they immediately cease using his name and image to promote the event. But they ignored JD’s request and went on with the party anyway. And now Dupri and his management are suing Elite Entertainment Group and Pure Nightclub, asking the court to render a judgement against the defendants for “all profits received from their unauthorized use of Dupri’s name and image, including false designations of origin and false descriptions and representations of endorsement, approval, and/or sponsorship by Dupri.”

JD’s attorneys are requesting that this matter be decided by a jury in Fulton County, Georgia. He’s also seeking punitive damages, though no specific dollar amount was requested, in addition to legal fees being reimbursed.

CHRIS BROWN NAMED BILLBOARD’S “ARTIST OF THE YEAR” » With only two albums under his belt, R&B singer Chris Brown has been named Billboard’s top artist of the year 2008. But this isn’t his first time receiving the big honor. Billboard named him their artist of the year back in 2006 too.

“It’s bigger than what I can ever imagine. It’s unexpected totally, so it’s a surprise,” Brown said in an interview Thursday. “I’ve had a good year but I still feel like a little insecure in those parts. I’m like, `There’s little ol’ me getting an award’ — that’s incredible,” he said.

Number 2 on the list of Billboard’s top artists was Lil’ Wayne, Rihanna came in at number 3, Alicia Keys came in at number 4, and Taylor Swift was number 5. The rankings were determined by album sales as well as digital downloads, radio airplay and Internet streams.

MARIAH CAREY ABRUPTLY CANCELS TOUR » Is Mariah Carey pregnant? That’s the question running through the minds of us all as news of her suddenly cancelling her world tour with no explanation. The news was first reported by The New York Daily News, but a rep for the singer is denying the pregnancy and saying that a world tour didn’t even exist to begin with. The newspaper’s Gatecrasher column quoted a mystery Carey “insider” who said:

“Costume designers and dancers were all called Wednesday and told the tour is off. Most were hysterically crying because they were relying on her for a paycheck this holiday season.”

However, a rep for Carey said: “a tour was discussed, but nothing was confirmed,” adding: “I have not been told she’s pregnant.”

Jermaine Dupri wants us all to know that Janet Jackson is NOT pregnant! The Atlanta rapper spoke to Usmagazine.com exclusively, denouncing any and all rumors relating to a Janet Jackson pregnancy. He had a special message for blogger Perez Hilton.

“Does Perez know that lying destroys the credibility of a blogger?” Dupri quipped to Us on Sunday. Rumors began to swirl after Jackson canceled a string of tour dates in October due to a mystery illness. Still, that doesn’t mean Jackson and Dupri aren’t excited about starting a family in the future.

“I’d love to have children,” the singer has told Us. “It’s just up to Jermaine, what he wants to do.” Jackson also spoke about motherhood in an interview with Sister 2 Sister magazine. “Everyone tells me that there will never be a good time, that I will always be busy, but I just think when the stars are aligned it will happen,” she revealed.

The internet is gonna go crazy when it finally happens! We’re prepared to live on our computers when they and the Carters decide to procreate.