(Photo: Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane is in a Fulton County jail for a probation violation. Guess this wasn’t the ’spotlight’ he and Usher are singing about in their new single − or maybe it is. Gucci was expected to drop a new CD Dec. 8.

We were just talking about him last month when he was at the BET Hip-Hop Awards performing a surprising three songs. His track popularity was definitely on the rise.

According to our AJC colleagues, the rapper, who’s real name is Radric Davis, is currently at the Fulton County jail and is due to be released in May 2010, according to jail officials.

It is unclear how Davis violated his probation. It’s also unclear how his legal troubles will affect his album release and future projects.

BTW: For our hip-hop purists, Gucci was reportedly born in Birmingham and moved to Atlanta in the 4th grade. So he is not a “native” Atlantan but he is an Atlantan.

Continue reading Gucci Mane in jail in Atlanta »

(AP)

Did the infamous kiss between Toni Braxton and Atlantan Trey Songz break up her marriage?

We all know how celebrity rumor mills churn, especially when they’re trying to tear people down. But after reviewing said kiss a few times … well, we don’t like to judge. We’ll just let you decide for yourself.

Just to catch you up, the singers performed the song “Yesterday” during the opening of the 2009 Soul Train Awards, which were taped Nov. 3 in Atlanta (the show will air on BET at 9 p.m. on Nov. 29). With Braxton’s husband, Keri Lewis formerly of the band Mint Condition, sitting in the audience, the two singers topped the performance off with what looks like a pretty intimate kiss.

Since then, radio DJS, TV hosts and blogs including Essence.com, have speculated that Braxton, in her 40s, and hubby are now separated. Many wonder if it’s linked to the intimate tongue wrestling seen on stage with the 25-year-old.

Hmmm…

Continue reading Toni Braxton, Trey Songz kiss broke up her marriage? »

Janet Jackson has agreed to do a one-hour special with ABC. Robin Roberts will interview the pop star in her California home for the primetime special, scheduled air Nov. 18.

While we don’t know the extent of what will be discussed just yet, we expect Jackson, who is promoting a greatest hits CD for the holiday season, to discuss the aftermath of the death of her brother, Michael Jackson.

She also might touch on her relationship with Atlantan Jermaine Dupri. People reported today that the on-again-off-again couple is definitely on.

While blog rumors continue to swirl about a pending wedding, hopefully Ms. Jackson will give us the real deal we can stop churning the rumor mill.

Continue reading Janet Jackson agrees to interview after MJ death »

Calling all groupies! Usher is officially single again.

According to the AP, the Atlanta singer was official divorced from Tameka Foster on Wednesday.

The couple, married since August 2007, has two sons, Usher Raymond V, who will turns 2 later, and Naviyd Ely Raymond, who will be 1 on Dec. 11. Although Usher was seeking joint custody, arrangements were not detailed in the divorce decree.

Continue reading Usher gets his final ‘Papers’ »

Today, singer Rihanna recounted the brutal fight she and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown had in February.

In the latest installment of an interview that aired on “Good Morning America,” the 21-year-old singer told Diane Sawyer that “there was no person when I looked at him.”

Though they half-heartedly tried to keep their relationship private, the two had been media darlings as they were spotted at clubs, parties, awards shows and even vacationing together.

Just before the Grammys this year, they had a terrible fight, in which Brown bit and punched the Barbados native, leaving her bloody and swollen.

He ultimately pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to five years’ probation, six months community service and a year of counseling.

Continue reading Rihanna: Chris Brown ‘had no soul’ »

• To spruce up its on-air talent, the Weather Channel turned to Atlanta lifestyle designer Robanne Schulman of Plaid Monkey. “I haven’t gotten to everyone’s closets yet but am updating their looks one anchor at a time,” she tells us.

• Justin’s hosted the Soul Train Awards Monday night. The crowd included Atlanta’s own Jermaine Dupri, along with Nelly, So So Def manager Tyrone Davis, R&B singer-producer-actor-Soul Train performer Trey Songz, Jazze Pha, designer Mychael Knight, actor Terri J. Vaughn and actor-comedian Tommy Davidson, whose performance honored the late Marvin Gaye. Honorees include Kenard Gibbs, Anthony Maddox and Peter Griffith. The show airs Nov. 29. PHOTO GALLERY

• Braves pitcher Tim Hudson’s foundation, which benefits children’s organizations, plans the “Hudson’s Honky Tonk Benefit Weekend,” Nov. 20-21. Highlights include a concert at the “Fred” amphitheater in Peachtree City starring country music’s Blake Shelton and Josh Gracin, and word has it a mechanical …

Continue reading Buzz in our ear: Tim Hudson, Jermaine Dupri and a mechanical bull »

The “Soul Train Awards” (red carpet photos) taping isn’t until tonight at the Georgia World Congress Center, but the music industry parties got going an evening early all over town.

(Photos from welcome party@ Justin’s)

Usher, "KP" Prather and Killa Mike (Photos by Maurice Garland)

After a public meet-and-greet at Carol’s Daughter in Lenox Square, R&B singer/producer Ryan Leslie hosted a more intimate, private dinner across the street at Twist. The tastemakers Universal Motown executive Terrell Henderson invited to hear and discuss Leslie’s new CD “Transition” – in stores today – included Sol Fusion promoter J Carter; Hot-107.9’s Beyonce; event planner I’na Saulsbery; retailers Desiree Williams and Tobago Benito; photographer Shannon McCollum; blogger Gyant; publicist Saptosa Foster and “Tardy For The Party” producer Don Vito.

“Besides being here for Soul Train (Awards), it’s really important for me to get to know the people in Atlanta who make it happen,” said Leslie, adding …

Continue reading Industry parties welcome Soul Train Awards to ATL »