MOVE OVER KANYE WEST & 2 CHAINZ, TRINIDAD JAMES SIGNS DEF JAM DEAL

After building a steady buzz down South off his "All Gold Everything" anthem, Atlanta rapperTrinidad James has inked a deal with mega music label Def Jam.

Both James and Def Jam Recordings President Joie Mandaconfirmed the unexpected power move Thursday (December 13).

"Def Jam, thank you for believing," says Trinidad James. The signing also includes a joint venture with the rapper's Gold Gang Records. Trinidad is now on the same imprint as Kanye West, 2 Chainz and more. "We're excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family," Joie Manda says. "Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop's rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what's happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz." (Billboard)

Buzz over an alleged $2 million Def Jam deal bubbled online yesterday (December 12).

During Trinidad James' sold-out show at Santos Party House, label executives from both Def Jam and Atlantic Records were in attendance. "Joie [Manda], Pecas, Chris Atlas, Barry Weiss on The Def Jam side & [Mike] Keyser on the Atlantic side at Trinidad James show," tweeted XXL's executive editor Jayson Rodriguez. Now, rumored reports say that the rapper has settled a deal with Def Jam for $2 million. (XXL Mag)

The rap newcomer rose from working at a clothing store to turning into hip-hop's most-talked about rapper right now.

Like everything about James' sudden rise from Atlanta scenester (he was working at Ginza clothing boutique in downtown Atlanta when he decided to become a rapper) to hip-hop star, the oversold show sparked cynicism. But Trinidad's unlikely-yet-forseeable rise marks an important moment for Atlanta, an attempt to reassert its dominance in an era where regional styles, broadcast cheaply and easily on the Internet, have the potential to upset the city's long-running centrality to hip-hop. One man's "gimmick" is another's style. If rappers were forced to abandon "gimmicks," the genre would suffer. Many times, those "gimmicks" are shorthand for charisma and personality. Like any Internet-driven phenomenon, James has attracted his share of detractors. Many of their concerns are unfair; a hit song is a hit song, and "All Gold Everything" qualifies, at least by the modest measure of YouTube success. (Atlanta Black Star)

Check out the rapper's "All Gold Everything" music video:

"FAT SOLDIERS" BOOTED FROM U.S. ARMY?

The nation's armed forces is slimming down -- literally. With the wars in the Middle East coming to a close and the military looking to save funds, troops are being cut from the Army, with a leading cause for discharge being obesity.

Based on reports from The Washington Post, the Army has discharged a total of 1,625 soldiers for obesity this year alone, which is 16 times more than the amount discarded five years ago. According to The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, the number of overweight soldiers on active duty has tripled between 1998 and 2010, with the number of out-of-shape troops reaching 86,000 by 2012. This reflects the overall increase in obesity in the American population.

Army Secretary John M. McHugh told The Post: "We will use the drawdown as an opportunity to shape out Army by ensuring that we retain only the best soldiers." And Commander Leslie Hull-Ryde, a spokesperson for the Pentagon agrees.

"A healthy and fit force is essential to national security," she said. --Iyana Robertson

Warner Music's Revenue, Digital Sales Up in Fiscal Fourth Quarter

Warner Music Group on Thursday posted a rise in revenue and narrower losses for its September quarter. The company also reported a rise in both its physical and digital recorded music.

"We had a very productive year," said CEO Stephen Cooper. "Warner Music Group performed well and is positioned to capitalize on the industry's more stable recent trends. Among our important achievements, we grew global digital and physical Recorded Music sales on an aggregate basis, for the quarter and the fiscal year."

Warner Music Group Reports Mixed Financials in Third Quarter

Quarterly revenue of $731 million rose 2 percent over the year-ago period. WMG's loss narrowed to $18 million, or $10 million when adjusted for several items are included, from $103 million, or $42 million. For the full fiscal year ended Sept. 30, revenue of $2.78 billion was down from $2.87 billion a year earlier. WMG's loss of $112 million narrowed from $205 million a year earlier.

For the fiscal year, "growth in digital revenue more than offset physical revenue declines in the company's recorded music business," the statement said. "However, this net growth was more than offset by declines in artist services and expanded rights revenue, recording music licensing revenue and music publishing revenue."

Total digital revenue for the year grew 12.8 percent and represented 33.3 percent of total revenue, compared to 28.6 percent in the prior year.

Warner Music Group Realigns Structure; Cameron Strang Gets Big Boost

Looking at revenue by the company' s operating arms, recorded music revenue rose nearly 4% to $605 million for the year ended Sept. 30, versus $582 million in the corresponding quarter in the prior year. Meanwhile, that segment produced $77 million in operating income before depreciation and amortization, versus $54 million in the corresponding period of the prior year.

For the full 12 months, the recorded music operation produced $283 million in OIBDA on sales of $2.275 billion, which was down from the $290 million in OIBDA on $2.34 billion in revenue in the prior fiscal year. While digital recorded music revenue grew 12.5% to $864 million from $768 million, that growth was offset by declines in Artist Services and Expanded Rights revenue from tours in the company's European concert promotion business and declines Recorded Music licensing revenue.

Meanwhile, Warner/Chappell produced $54 million in OIBDA on revenues of $133 million, which was down from $57 million in OIBDA on revenues of $141 million for the three-month period ended Sept. 30.

Within publishing, digital revenue grew 29.4% while mechanical revenue declined 3.2%; synchronization revenue declined 10.7%, reflecting lower video game revenue; and performance revenue declined 13.1%, partially due to an industry-wide reduction in U.S. radio license fees as mentioned last quarter.

For the full year, Warner/Chappell generated $152 million in OIBDA on revenues of $524 million. For OIBDA that represented a 3% improvement from the $147 million in OIBDA, but revenue was down 4% from the $544 million the company produced for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2011.

When looking at annual revenue by segment for recorded music, physical sales totaled $966 million, or 34.7% of the company's total revenue, which was down from $1.032 million, or 36% in the prior year; digital sales totaled $864 million, or 31.1%, up from $768 million, or 26.8%; artist services and expanded rights were $244 million, or 8.8%, down from $310 million, or 10.8%; and licensing accounted for $201 million or 7.2%, down from $232 million or 8.1%.

Meanwhile, in publishing, performance revenue totaled $202 million, or 7.3%, down from $214 million or 7.5%; mechanical revenue was $129 million or 4.6%, a decline from $142 million, or nearly 5%; synchronization produced $112 million, or 4%, down a tick from $113 million or 3.9%; digital was $67 million or 2.4%, up from $60 million or 2.1%; and other was $14 million, or 0.5%, almost the same as last year when it was $15 million or 0.52%. (Percentages don't add up to 100% due to 19 million in intersegment eliminations from revenue, which are not broken out by revenue category.)

Looking at revenue by territory, domestic Recorded Music digital revenue amounted to $489 million, or 53.8% of total domestic Recorded Music revenue, marking the first time digital revenue represented more than half of domestic Recorded Music revenue for the fiscal year, the company reported.

The company's major sellers for the quarter included Kobukuro, Tatsuro Yamashita, Green Day, Superfly and Muse, the company said.

The MUSIC Act Aims to Help Independent Labels in U.S.

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) introduced legislation Wednesday that would make it easier for U.S. independent music labels to access the global marketplace. The Making United States Independents Competitive (MUSIC) Act aims to help small labels by connecting them to new audiences and distributors at trade shows. 
  
Independent labels find it increasingly difficult to sell their goods in the global marketplace, Nadler explained in his press release. "This bill would help promote U. S. exports in an extremely competitive industry whose talents cannot be outsourced," he said. 
  
Specifically, the bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Commerce to help independent labels in sending their recording artists to international music trade shows. That assistance would include admission costs, support for travel, booth construction and "touring expenses" related to foreign music trade shows. 
  
The bill defines an independent label as one with total revenues of less than $50 million, had less than a 1% share of the U.S. recorded music market and is not majority owned by a "corporation, partnership, or other association that has total revenues of more than $50,000,000" in the preceding fiscal year. Under that definition, a large independent such as Big Machine Label Group, the home of Taylor Swift, would not qualify for a share of the $1 million that would be appropriated for each fiscal year from 2013 to 2017. 
  
"This program will support the export efforts of small to medium-sized businesses and their artists," American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) president Rich Bengloff said in a statement. "The MUSIC Act will not only strengthen exports for independent labels but will also have a positive effect across the entire U.S. economy by improving our balance of trade. We are thankful for Rep. Nadler's continued efforts to support independent music labels, their artists, and the entire creative community." 
  
"This bill would provide much needed support for our members' efforts to promote their music overseas," Recording Academy chief advocacy and industry relations officer Daryl P. Friedman said in a statement. "We are grateful to Rep. Nadler, and we are happy to continue our partnership with A2IM to help increase opportunities for independent artists, as many of The Recording Academy's members are artists on independent labels or artists running indie labels of their own." 
  
Although independents' pleas to limit record industry consolidation have not prevented recent mergers, A2IM has been successful gaining financial assistance for independent labels from government. In August, the organization secured a $284,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration to help its trade missions. Last year A2IM received about $200,000 from the Federal Small Business Administration and the States of New York and Tennessee. 

On Sept. 16 A2IM label members and the Recording Academy visited Asia and met with buyers and potential suppliers in Honk Kong, Seoul and Shanghai, on a trade mission jointly funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and by New York State Empire Development and the State of Tennessee Economic & Community Development Program. Next month, independent labels will attend the annual Midem conference in France under Rep. Nadler-sponsored funding from the U.S. Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program. 
  
Nadler is the Congressman behind the bill -- currently in draft form and expected to be introduced in 2013 -- that would put satellite radio and cable radio on the same "willing buyer, willing seller" standard currently used by the Copyright Royalty Board when setting statutory royalty rates for webcasters. The controversial Internet Radio Fairness Act, supported by Pandora, seeks, among other things, to compel the CRB to use a different standard -- the 801(b) standard -- for webcasters. Lower royalty rates are the likely result of the change in the standard.

David Geffen Donates $100 Million to UCLA Medical School

David Geffen,  who was recently the subject of an extended profile by PBS for its "American Masters" series,  will donate $100 million to UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, to fund 33 full-ride scholarships a year to the school for its most promising students.

With four-year tuition to the school, room and board, books and miscellany exceeding a cost of $300,000, the David Geffen Medical Scholarships will ease the burden on a fifth of the school's yearly entrants and, the hope is, steer students towards educational tracks frequently avoided - such as primary care - because of their lower pay, relative to more specialized fields.

'Inventing David Geffen' Draws Springsteen, Iovine, Gordy, Dr. Dre To L.A. Premiere

The money makes Geffen - who previously donated an unrestricted $200 million to UCLA's Medical School in 2002, prompting the school to rename itself in his honor - the largest individual donor to a single campus in University of California history, and makes Geffen one of the largest donors to any medical school in United States history. That puts him in the company of Sanford I. Weill ($450 million to Cornell's Weill Medical College) and Kenneth G. Langone ($200 million to the N.Y.U. Langone Medical Center), though Geffen made it clear he wishes that list was much longer.

"The cost of a world-class medical education should not deter our future innovators, doctors and scientists from the path they hope to pursue. We need the students at this world-class institution to be driven by determination and the desire to do their best work and not by the fear of crushing debt. I hope in doing this that others will be inspired to do the same," Geffen wrote in a statement.

"Once again, David Geffen has made a transformative gift - in this case, one that shifts how we think about support for our medical students," the medical school's dean, Dr. A. Eugene Washington wrote in a statement. "The David Geffen Medical Scholarship Fund is an extraordinary investment in a public institution that will enhance UCLA's ability to create world leaders in health and science. Recipients of this prestigious award will proudly carry the David Geffen Medical Scholar designation with them throughout their careers as they create an enduring legacy of excellence and impact in 21st-century patient care, medical education and research."

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, UCLA's chief academic officer said "My mouth dropped open when I saw this. It is going to create quite a legacy for the school."

FOX NEWS ANCHOR DANCES TO BEYONCE DURING COMMERCIAL BREAK

The anchorwoman may very well be Beyonce's number 1 fan!

In the wee hours of the morning a local California news reporter was caught on camera showing off her well polished "Single Ladies" dance. According to reports, Fox 40's Tia Ewing was on the clock at 4:15 a.m. when it came time for another routine commercial break. But the entertainment didn't stop there. Within seconds of cutting to commercial, Ewing was caught breaking our her best dance moves to Bey's hit single.

"I gotta get it where I can get it,” Ewing explained to her co-workers on-air in a later segment. “I just didn’t know the camera was rolling."

Watch the hilarious clip below!

L.A. Reid Will Not Return for 'X Factor' Season 3

L.A. Reid is leaving "The X Factor."

The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the reality TV judge will not be returning to the Fox series for season three. The Epic Records chairman will return to his full-time gig of running the Sony music label with plans to invest renewed energy and vigor into developing new and signed talent.

Billboard Power 100: Antonio "L.A." Reid

"I have the utmost respect for Simon Cowell, he is the very best and I have had the opportunity to learn so much from him," said Reid. "Working with him on 'X Factor' has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I'm honored to have sat on the panel with such incredible talent."

L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato Needle Simon Cowell, Challenge Artists: 'You'd Better Be Great in First 30 Seconds'

Reid was the first judge hired by Cowell for season one last year. He was also the only judge to survive a brutal bloodbath that saw fellow judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as host Steve Jones, fired prior to season two.

After mentoring the boys during season one, Reid was placed in charge of the over 25s for season two. Though he was initially unhappy with the assignment, his mentee Tate Stevens has proven to be one of two front-runners to win the $5 million prize during next week's finale.

"Of course I will miss the show, in my opinion Simon attracts the best talent but I'm looking forward to getting back to my core business and the responsibility of running Epic Records," added Reid.

It is not yet known whether current judges Britney Spears or Demi Lovato will remain on board for season three, which has already been given the green light by Fox.

Wednesday's semifinals episode of "X Factor" averaged 7.8 million viewers and a 2.8 rating among adults 18-49. Overall, the series' second season is down in total viewership and the key demo, hovering around 9 million viewers per episode. (Season one saw an average of more than 12 million viewers per episode.)

PAM ANDERSON IN SERIOUS TAX DEBT

Pamela Anderson is knee-deep in tax debt.

According to the IRS and the state of California, the former Baywatch star owes upwards of $370,000 in back taxes. The amount stems from missed payments in 2011.

At 45 Anderson is keeping busy with reality TV competitions like Dancing with the Stars andDancing on Ice. Hopefully, she'll squeeze in time to get right with the government.

Joel Klaiman Officially Named Columbia Records' EVP/GM

It's official: Joel Klaiman is now the executive vice president and general manager of Columbia Records, according to an announcement made by label CEO and chairman Rob Stringer. Klaiman, who was formerly EVP at Universal Republic, will overseeing Columbia's promotional staff.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Joel's high caliber and experience join our team in a very important role," Stringer said in a statement.

Joel Klaiman Named Columbia Records Executive VP/GM: Sources

At Universal Republic Klaiman was involved in new artist strategies and behind now-household names like Gotye, Amy Winehouse and PSY. Previously, at Epic records, Klaiman worked in radio development on a diverse roster of artists including Korn, Fiona Apple, and Celine Dion.

"I am very excited about joining Columbia," Joel commented. "I have always admired their artists. I am really anxious to get started in collaborating with the Columbia team in breaking new music. I want to thank Rob Stringer and Doug Morris for this incredible opportunity!" 

Joel began his career in 1990 as a manager at Frank DiLeo Managemen and worked as a senior promotions director at Elektra before joining the Epic Records Group in 1996 as a VP.  In 1998, he was named VP of promotions of Sony 550 Music and then VP promotions for Epic Records Group. In 2006, he was appointed EVP of promotion at Epic.

As Billboard.biz  previously reported, Klaiman's naming to the EVP/GM role appears to be part of an executive shuffle that followed the exit of Columbia COO and co-chairman Steve Barnett, who is now Capitol Music Group's chairman and CEO.

KATT WILLIAMS MENTALLY UNSTABLE?

Katt Williams has been the subject of controversy these past couple of years. From slapping a Target employee, to high-speed police chases, the comedian has most recently exhibited various sorts of erratic and criminal behaviors that have left the public questioning his mental state yet again.

On Monday (Dec. 10), blogger Necole Bitchie posted an anonymous email she received from a supposed former associate of Williams, who claims that he needs intensive mental care after being diagnosed with bi-polar schizophrenia in 2008, and that he is not on drugs.

"I used to be a part of Katt Williams’ camp and I would like to remain anonymous," the email read. "I am really hoping you post this. I know his girlfriend (who needs just as much help as he does) searches for this stuff online and shows it to him. Katt has outcasted EVERYONE who cares about him for trying to help him."

The anonymous associate claims that Williams is now surrounded by people who are are equally unstable or ill-intended on spending his money. According to the email, the comedian's girlfriend has been "brainwashed by him and does whatever he tells her," and is in need of care as well. The associate also claims that Williams requested that people nearest to him call him "MY Lord" at some point in his series of strange behavior. In addition, the email points out a pattern in the comedian's behavior and states that it is characteristic of his illness.

"If you do your research as to when things start happening with him every year it’s around the same time. Oct – Jan he is in a MANIC DEPRESSIVE state and he is not on any meds," the email stated. "Don’t get me wrong he’s mentally ill 365 days a year however starting around October and ending around January he goes through SERIOUS trouble."

According to the email, Williams' parents vowed to get him the help he needed upon a psychiatric hospital release, but never followed through with his care. The associate claims that the comedian is not on any medications, and pleaded that the reason for his behavior be publicized in an effort to get him the help he needs. The email also expressed concern for William's children who are allegedly suffering from his antics.

"He has four children still in his custody and they are the REAL victims here. He’s taken them out of school for 2 years. They are witnessing his erratic behavior and they’re soon going to need help as well," the anonymous associate wrote. "I love Katt and i want to see him get better and do better, if for nothing, more for those children."

Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame 2013 Inductees Announced

In October JETmag.com reported that Public Enemy and disco legend Donna Summer were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Yesterday the 2013 inductees were announced and Public Enemy and Donna Summer were among those to receive the prestigious accolade.

After six times of being on the ballot, Summer is finally being recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her tremendous achievements. Summer won five Grammys and dominated the music charts worldwide with hits like “Last Dance,” “Bad Girls” and “She Works Hard for the Money.”

In May, The Queen of Disco lost her battle with cancer, but her legacy will be emblazoned in history through her commemoration in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her career will be celebrated along with the other 2013 inductees; Quincy Jones, Albert King, Rush, Heart, Lou Alder, Public Enemy and Randy Newman. The ceremony will take place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on April 18, 2013.

Britney Spears Named Highest-Earning Woman in Music in Forbes List

Britney Spears, 31 years young and re-established as a household name after a few tumultuous years, has been named Forbes' highest-paid woman in music of the past year, earning $58 million.

Spears' platinum-selling album Femme Fatale and its accompanying tour were the main sources behind the pop star's stratospheric ledger, with a fragrance deal and assorted endorsements rounding out the figures.

Close behind was Taylor Swift, who earned her $57 million in much the same way as Spears: with a huge record. Speak Now, Swift's quadruple-platinum-certified album from 2010 generated $1 million per night on a tour which set sail through North America in early 2011.

Rounding out the top three is Rihanna at $53 million, whose endorsement deals with Vita Coco and Nivea as well as the enduring hit "Diamonds" contributed to her still-storming success.

Two surprises crop up: the sultry chanteuse Sade's placement ahead of Madonna at #8 (the Queen of Pop hadn't yet embarked on her worldwide MDNA tour, something likely to boost her standing next year). As well, Adele's relatively modest placement at #7 on the list, despite her historic, ten-times-platinum certified album 21.

Jennifer Lopez's classification as a "Personality" precluded her inclusion in the women in music list, whose earnings of $52 million would have tied her with Lady Gaga at #4.

The Forbes list measures gross income from all sources, not adjusted for managements fees or taxes (and so is not representative of the bottom line of a particular star's bank account) between May 2011 to May 2012. Forbes' date range doesn't include Spears' lucrative contract with "The X Factor" (reportedly for $15 million), nor a particularly high-profile year for Rihanna.
Here's the full list:

1. Britney Spears ($58 million)
2. Taylor Swift ($57 million)
3. Rihanna ($53 million)
4. Lady Gaga ($52 million)
5. Katy Perry ($45 million)
6. Beyoncé ($40 million)
7. Adele ($35 million)
8. Sade ($33 million)
9. Madonna ($30 million)
10. Shakira ($20 million)

COPS UNCOVER JUSTIN BIEBER MURDER PLOT

Police have arrested two men for allegedly plotting a murder-for-hire, with the target none other than pop sensation Justin Bieber.

New Mexico natives Mark Staak and his nephew Tanner Ruane were arrested late last month in Vermont, and police claim they were planning on killing four people at the behest of a prison inmate named Dana Martin. Martin was incarcerated for a 2000 murder, and was going to hire Staak and Ruane to kill two of the witnesses to his crime. Then, Martin wanted the two men to kill Bieber - apparently, Martin is obsessed with the singer and has a tattoo of Bieber on his leg.

The murder was supposed to occur in conjunction with Bieber's concert at New York's Madison Square Garden. Martin wanted the men to kill Bieber by strangling him with a paisley tie, which is apparently Martin's calling card. But the prisoner had second thoughts, and ratted out the two men to officers instead.

But it gets more grisly - Martin wanted to the two men to castrate Bieber, and allegedly offered $2,500 a piece for his testicles. Staak was arrested in Vermont on an outstanding warrant, and his nephew was later picked up in New York with pruning shears on his person - apparently in order to carry out the castration. Yikes.

Bruno Mars Makes 'Heaven'-ly Ascent To No. 1 On Hot 100

Bruno Mars bounds to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, as "Locked Out of Heaven" rises 2-1 in its 10th week on the chart. The song displaces Rihanna's "Diamonds" after three weeks on top.

"Heaven" marks Mars' fourth Hot 100 topper since his arrival in 2010. His first entry, B.o.B's "Nothin' on You," on which Mars guested, began a two-week reign the week of May 1, 2010. His debut album, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans," which reached No. 3 in a 112-week (and counting) run on the Billboard 200, yielded Mars two Hot 100 No. 1s as a lead artist: "Just the Way You Are" (four weeks, beginning Oct. 2, 2010) and follow-up "Grenade" (four weeks, starting Jan. 8, 2011).

Chart Moves: Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson Scale Hot 100 

How historic is Mars' accumulation of four Hot 100 No. 1s in a span of just two years, 10 months and one week, dating to the Feb. 13, 2010, arrival of "Nothin'"? It's the fastest collection of a male artist's first four No. 1s in exactly 48 years. Bobby Vinton first entered the Hot 100 with "Roses Are Red (My Love)" the week of June 9, 1962. It became his first No. 1 five weeks later. Vinton then added leaders with "Blue Velvet" (1963), "There! I've Said it Again" and "Mr. Lonely" (both in 1964). When "Lonely" lifted 2-1 on the Hot 100 dated Dec. 12, 1964 - 48 years ago today - Vinton had rung up four No. 1s in a stretch of just two years and six months from his first chart appearance.

"Heaven" ascends to No. 1 on the Hot 100 with top Digital Gainer honors, as the song jumps 5-1 on the Hot Digital Songs chart with 197,000 downloads sold (up 46%), according to Nielsen SoundScan (marking Mars' fifth Hot Digital Songs No. 1). It bullets again at No. 2 on Hot 100 Airplay with 129 million audience impressions (up 4%) and holds at No. 5 on On-Demand Songs with 890,000 on-demand streams (up 19%), according to BDS.

Bruno Mars to Release 'Unorthodox Jukebox' Dec. 11

"Heaven," the lead single from Mars' sophomore album "Unorthodox Jukebox," released Tuesday (Dec. 11) and due high atop next week's Billboard 200, claims a fairly narrow victory over "Diamonds" on the Hot 100, pushing the latter song to No. 2 by less than 2,000 chart points. Both songs gain from last week, but "Heaven" increases by 21% and "Diamonds," 7%, enough to spur a change at the chart's summit.

"Diamonds," atop Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs for a 10th week, leads Hot 100 Airplay for a second week (134 million, down 1%) and On-Demand Songs for a fifth frame (1.2 million, up 15%). It rebounds 8-2 on Hot Digital Songs (143,000, up 17%) after leading the list the week of Dec. 1.

After reaching a highpoint of No. 2 two weeks ago, Ke$ha's "Die Young" holds at No. 3 on the Hot 100. The song surges 4-2 on On-Demand Songs (1.05 million, up 31%) as parent album "Warrior" enters the Billboard 200 at No. 6.

The Lumineers' "Ho Hey" continues climbing the Hot 100 in its 27th week. The top title on the Hot Rock Songs chart for a second consecutive week pushes 5-4 on the Hot 100, bulleting at No. 3 on On-Demand Songs (971,000, up 13%) and breaking 6-4 on Hot Digital Songs (132,000, up 3%) and 8-6 on Hot 100 Airplay (89 million, up 15%).

Maroon 5's former nine-week Hot 100 No. 1 "One More Night" drops 4-5 and Flo Rida's "I Cry" rises 8-6, powered by gains on Hot 100 Airplay (7-7; 85 million, up 5%) and On-Demand Songs (14-14; 674,000, up 19%). With its two-notch Hot 100 lift, "Cry" matches the peak of the song on which its chorus is based, Brenda Russell's "Piano in the Dark," a No. 6 hit on the survey in 1988.

Phillip Phillips' "Home" spends a second week at its No. 7 Hot 100 peak to date and makes a notable move on Hot 100 Airplay: by elevating 11-10, the reigning "American Idol" champion is the Fox TV competition's first winner to send a debut single to the Hot 100 Airplay top 10 since maiden "Idol" queen Kelly Clarkson sent "A Moment Like This" to No. 8 on the airplay list 10 years ago.

fun.'s No. 3-peaking "Some Nights" dips 6-8 on the Hot 100, ahead of the week's sole new top 10 entry, Justin Bieber's "Beauty and a Beat," featuring Nicki Minaj. "Beat" becomes Bieber's fifth Hot 100 top 10 and third from his album "Believe," following "Boyfriend," which reached No. 2 in April, and "As Long as You Love Me," featuring Big Sean (No. 6, September). Minaj, meanwhile, banks her ninth Hot 100 top 10, tying her with Missy Elliott for the most among female rappers.

"Beat" is Bieber's 14th top 10 on Hot Digital Songs, where it jumps 13-8 (107,000, up 40%). It rises 13-12 on Hot 100 Airplay (57 million, up 10%) and 21-17 on On-Demand Songs (610,000, up 31%).

Ne-Yo's "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)" rounds out the Hot 100's top 10 (10-10), with PSY's former seven-week No. 2  hit "Gangnam Style" departing the tier (10-11). "Style" ranks ahead of Alicia Keys' "Girl on Fire" (featuring Minaj), which drops to No. 12 after reaching a No. 11 peak last week, and will.i.am's "Scream & Shout," featuring Britney Spears, which retreats to No. 13 after launching at No. 12 last week.

Check billboard.biz tomorrow (Dec. 13), when all rankings, including the Hot 100, Hot Digital Songs, Hot 100 Airplay and On-Demand Songs, will be refreshed, as they are each Thursday.

Depeche Mode Sign Worldwide Deal With Columbia Records

Depeche Mode has signed a new worldwide deal with Columbia Records and will release a new album in March 2013.

The band, comprised of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher and managed by Jonathan Kessler, had previously spent its 30-year career with Warner Music labels Sire and Reprise and EMI's Mute and Capitol. Depeche Mode's 12 studio albums have reached the Top 10 in over 20 countries, including the U.S. and U.K.

"Depeche Mode is one of the greatest rock bands of the modern era," Columbia Records CEO Rob Stringer said. "Despite selling millions of albums over many years they have still maintained a freshness and mystique in all aspects of their career and are truly a global band with huge fanbases in literally every country. Their new album is unique and invigorating and their best work for ages and we are excited to be involved with Depeche Mode as a worldwide company."

Depeche Mode Signs with William Morris Endeavor

In a forthcoming announcement of the deal, Gore provides some clues as to the direction of their 13th album.

"I am very happy with how the album turned out," he comments.  "The music has a similar vibe to Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion and I think the songs on the album are among some of the very best we've done."

Adds Gahan: "The album has a very organic and direct feel to it. It's not a blues record, but it definitely has a soulful vibe. During the recording process we really tried to get the elements of performing and the live show into the album more."

Following the album's release, Depeche Mode will embark on a world tour, kicking off in Tel Aviv on May 7 and later hitting 25 European countries. Among the bookings: the Rock Werchter Festival in Belgium, BBK Festival in Spain and Optimus Alive Festival in Portugal. A full North American tour will follow the European leg, which wraps in Minsk, Belarus on July 29.

Additional tour and album details will become available in the coming weeks.

Read more at http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/depeche-mode-sign-worldwide-deal-with-columbia-1008045582.story#V1S4UDWsRLIgchYo.99 

ICE-T DISRESPECTED BY COCO FOR RACY PICS WITH ANOTHER MAN?

One hip-hop's most beloved couples recently had one of their marital tiffs make the homepage on gossip blogs around the 'Net.

It all started when a set of racy pics hit CoCo's Twitter this past weekend. Sure, sounds like a normal occurrence but these photos just happened to show Ice's wife hugged up with an up-and-coming rapper named AP.9. Taken at a Vegas nightclub, the two are can be seen hugged up on each other in a very intimate way. And It didn't take Ice long to catch wind of the questionable flicks and he sounded off on Twitter.

"Most of [the pics are] disrespectful and in bad taste," Ice-T wrote. "She's made me look and feel like s--t." Before deleting is message, the Law and Order actor continued: "I say this on Twitter because there's no way to avoid the obvious misconduct of a married [woman]," he wrote. "That's it. Any more questions, ask [my wife] @CoCosWorld."

Coco initially played the innocent victim role but later apologized publicly.

"Woke up to people in a panic about some pics. Please guys, I'm happily married, sometimes fans & friends take silly pics. It's harmless," CoCo tweeted before backing her statement with more sincere comments.

"Ice is right, the pics I took with this man were in poor taste & I disrespected my husband," she shared. "However the pics were the only thing that happened."

"I feel so sad. The bottom line is I love Ice & I can understand why he's upset," she added. "There's no excuse for my actions. I'm so sorry baby & to everyone."

The married couple currently stars on the hit reality show, Ice Loves CoCo.

Do you think Ice really got disrespected?

Judge Denies George Zimmerman's Request to Remove Ankle Bracelet

George Zimmerman

PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

Today judge Debra Nelson denied George Zimmerman's request to remove his GPS ankle bracelet.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Nelson also denied Zimmerman's request to lower his $1 million bond. He must also remain in Seminole County.

Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara previously filed a motion asking that his client's tracking device be removed because he "needs to be able to travel more freely… for reasons of his own personal safety and… to have the ability to assist his defense by meeting with witnesses, including experts."

O'Mara said during today's court proceedings that Zimmerman doesn't need to live under the constraints set by the previous judge. "This is not a person who has missed court appearances," O'Mara said. "He wants to be here. He's looking forward to an immunity hearing and a trial."

On the other hand, Judge Nelson did grant Zimmerman's defense permission to re-depose Sanford police investigator William Erwin, whom was reportedly present when the police played 911 audio for Trayvon Martin's father. In addition, the state must turn in the original interview audio between Martin family attorney Benjamin Crump and Trayvon's girlfriend—as she was on the phone during the incident and is a key witness.

Zimmerman is accused of shooting unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February and faces a second-degree murder charge. Zimmerman claims self-defense.

The trial gets underway on June 13.

Kimora Lee Simmons And Djimon Hounsou Were Never Married

I am the only one who is NOT surprised at our headline. So much about their love affair didn’t make complete sense–at least to me anyways. Rumors have been circulating around the internet for months that the 37 year old former supermodelKimora Lee Simmons and her gorgeous 48 year old actor husband Djimon Hounsou have been separated “for some time”. When in fact, the couple were never married.

MUST READ: Dawn Richard On Diddy: ‘He Was OCD, But In Love With My Work Ethic’ [VIDEO] 

Kimora Lee decided that Thanksgiving eve would be the perfect time to grab everyone’s attention. She broadcasted a heartfelt confession via twitter.

There have been quite a few hurtful rumors circulating. The truth is Djimon+I have been separated for some time. We have remained happy, loving, co-parenting friends+family. We all have much to be thankful for. – via Kimora Lee Simmon’sTwitter.

Kimora may be referring to the rumor that the couple split over money and apparently her music mogul ex-husband Russell Simmons stopped funding their larger than life lifestyle. Something is still just fishy about this story. I’ve always believe that Kimora and Russell were still married.

Oscars: 75 Songs -- Adele, Arcade Fire, Jon Bon Jovi -- Deemed Eligible For Academy Awards Consideration

Songs written or performed by Adele, Arcade Fire, Jon Bon Jovi and Florence Welch are among the 75 songs that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has deemed eligible for 2013 Oscar consideration.
 
The 75 includes a few documentary entries, among them Perry's "Wide Awake" from the Paramount-released concert documentary "Katy Perry: Part of Me," the new song from Paul Williams, "Still Alive," that closes the documentary "Paul Williams Still Alive" and Bill Carter's  "Anything Made of Paper" from "West of Memphis."

Adele and Paul Epworth, the team behind "Rolling in the Deep," wrote "Skyfall" together and it was released as a single 10 weeks ago. Currently  No. 43 on the Hot 100, it peaked at No. 8. If it is nominated it will be the fifth James Bond theme song to secure a nomination, but the first in 31 years. No Bond song has ever won an Oscar.

Glen Hansard, who won in the original song category for "Falling Slowly" in "Once" in 2008, has "This Gift" from "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" in the running.
 
Only one of R. Kelly's songs from "Sparkle" made the grade, the Jordin Sparks-sung "One Wing." Arcade Fire's "Abraham's Daughter" is the lone representative from "The Hunger Games."  And one that many people might forget -- the title track from "Casa De Mi Padre" that Christina Aguilera sings on camera -- is also on the initial ballot.
 
"Song of the Lonely Mountain," Neil Finn's end-credits song from  "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," Bon Jovi's "Not Running Anymore" from "Stand Up Guys," and Rick Ross's "100 Black Coffins" from "Django Unchained" are among the songs under consideration from films that have yet to open theatrically.
 
The Academy has vigorously enforced its rules for a song to be eligible. To be considered, a song must consist of original words and music and be written specifically for the film. An intelligible, substantive rendition has to be used in the body of the film or as the first music cue in the end credits.

During the nominations process, all voting members of the Music Branch receive DVD copies of the song clips and then vote for up to five songs.

In a change from last year -- when just two songs were nominated -- the five works receiving the highest number of votes will become the nominees for final voting for the award.

Oscar Analysis: Why Only Two Nominees for Best Song?

For a full list of eligible songs, go to
http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2012/20121211.html

ARE YOU READY FOR "THE SEEDS OF HIP-HOP" REALITY SHOW?

Just when you thought hip-hoppers ran out of ideas to add to the reality show bandwagon comesThe Seeds of Hip Hop. Created by music producer D’Extra Wiley (from II D Extreme) the show centers around the children of legendary rappers from groups such as N.W.A. and Run DMC.

The reality show ‘s line up is:

• Dr. Dre’s son Curtis Young
• Eazy E’s son Eric Lynn Wright Jr.
• MC Ren’s son Anthony Dunbar
• E’40’s son Droop-E
• Jam Master Jay’s son Jason Mizell

D’Extra Wiley is reportedly confident that VH1, TV-ONE, FUSE TV, or BET will pick up series. Shooting begins next month.

EVELYN LOZADA POSES NUDE IN NEW PETA AD

Evelyn Lozada joins the likes of Wendy Williams, Angela Simmons and Khloe Kardashian as the latest chick to champion PETA's fur-free campaign.

In the animal rights organization's newest ad photographed by Drexina Nelson, the "Basketball Wives" star flaunts her bare curves after taking a vow to quit her fur-wearing ways. After seeing the cruelty done unto animals, Evelyn now urges holiday shoppers to cross the animal hairs off their Christmas lists.

"You can verbalize what happens to these animals a thousand times, but [when] you see it, it definitely clicks in—and it did for me," she says. Watch her take a (naked) stand against fur in the video below.

TAGS: PETA, Evelyn Lozada