Black Music Notes Mar. 3

3/3/09: Diddy
When it comes to making an event out of an album, Diddy sure knows how to put on a show. And for his forthcoming project, 'Last Train to Paris,' the multitalented mogul is following in the vein of Prince's classic flick and album 'Purple Rain.' "It's definitely going to be an album you can seamlessly see," he recently told MTV News. "Not after the fact. When you get the album on that day, September 22, you will be able to see the whole album on your computer. ... You know how when you're on your computer and you're listening to an album, you have your screen saver on instead of screen save, you'll be able to see the album in motion. And the presentation of the album will be different from the videos." Hopefully, Diddy will make it in time on Sept. 22 to catch the 'Last Train to Paris' once the album hits stores.


Kevin Mazur, WireImage

3/3/09: Janet Jackson
Recently there has been speculation that Janet Jackson was likely to sign a new multirights deal with Live Nation. However, contrary to reports, Live Nation senior VP of communications John Vlautin denied the claim. "We have not signed a deal with Janet, nor are we currently in discussions with the artist," Vlautin said. Jackson departed from her former label, Island Def Jam, in September, 14 months after signing to the record company.


The Canadian Press / AP

3/3/09: Black Eyed Peas
Despite previous reports that Grammy Award-winning pop group Black Eyed Peas would release a new album, 'The E.N.D.' (The Energy Never Dies), in March, it now appears Will.i.am and company will release the project on June 9. Billboard reports that the album's first single, 'Boom Boom Pow,' will soon be released, and that the group is planning an international tour. Will.i.am, the Black Eyed Peas front man, described the album as having "a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful. We call it, like, electric static funk, something like that."


Peter Kramer, AP

2/27/09: MC Hammer
MC Hammer is back! This time the multiplatinum-selling rapper is heading to network television for his new unscripted A&E reality series 'Hammertime.' Hammer's new half-hour series will feature Hammer, his wife and five children – reminiscent of the Huxtable family from 'The Cosby Show,' says executive producer J.D. Roth. "Here's a dad with five kids, married to the same woman for more than 23 years, living in the same place where he grew up and going to church every Sunday," Roth says. "He's had his ups and downs, and it's what makes him such a character you root for." MC Hammer's 'Hammertime' is set to premiere on A&E later this year.


2/27/09: Jazmine Sullivan
Although she didn't walk away with an award at this year's Grammys, singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan is bound for Hollywood for her upcoming film 'Red Tails.' According to Billboard, Sullivan will travel to Prague to start shooting the film, which is based on the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. "I play a singer who entertains soldiers," she said. "I'm really just entertainment for them, but I kind of get a little relationship going with one of them. So that's very exciting." As for now, Sullivan has an exciting relationship going on with R&B crooner Ne-Yo -- on tour that is. The two are currently touring through March 1. At press time, there was no release date for 'Red Tails.'


Charles Sykes, AP

2/27/09: Tupac
With the Notorious B.I.G.'s biopic in the can, fans are now anticipating a biographical movie on his rival Tupac. Unfortunately, fans may have to wait a little longer before a Tupac flick hits the silver screen. A legal dispute has surfaced involving the production company Morgan Creek and Amaru Entertainment, the company run by Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur. The lawsuit, which was filed by Morgan Creek, states that Amaru Entertainment reneged on an agreement to sell the rapper's life rights for a movie. Amaru Entertainment released a statement clarifying the recent media reports: "This lawsuit has no merit. We felt it was important to bring the story of Tupac Shakur, one of music's most remarkable icons, to life onscreen, and in realizing this vision, we sought to find the best partner who would be true to Tupac's vision and bring his unique story to life on the big screen. In doing so, we have taken every step to ensure that our partner in this process is committed to the integrity of Tupac Shakur's legacy and, more importantly, that they are the right people. To that end, we have been in discussions and negotiations with several major studios and production companies, including Morgan Creek Productions. However, at no time did we have an agreement with Morgan Creek."


Time Life Pictures / Getty Images