BET Orders Reality Series Starring Nelly, Keyshia Cole and Mann Family

BET is bulking up its unscripted programming.

 

The Viacom-owned cable network has handed out series orders to docuseries starring rapper Nelly, a new entry with Keyshia Cole and one featuring Meet the Browns stars David and Tamela Mann.

Keyshia Cole Fires Manager in Wake of Declining Sales

The untitled Cole project, picked up for six half-hour episodes, marks BET's third series featuring the multiplatinum-selling singer. The new series chronicles Cole's ongoing emotional journey as she confronts real-life issues, including her unstable marriage to NBA player Daniel Gibson, her evolving career, motherhood and family struggles. (The previous series, Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is and Keyshia & Daniel: Family First, ran from 2006-08 and in 2012, respectively.) The series hails from DuBose Entertainment's James DuBose, Imani Entertainment Group's Manny Halley and Cole. Kai Bowe will co-executive produce.

 Click to Hear

 Palace Hot 100 Radio Mix "Monday Night Heater"

 

The untitled Nelly vehicle, meanwhile, will focus on the rapper navigating his hip-hop career, fashion businessman/co-owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and father to his biological children and his late sister's children, all while balancing a relationship with Miss Jackson, Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s ex-girlfriend. The eight hourlong episodes will, as BET says, offer viewers an all-access pass to Nelly's life. Nelly will executive produce the Entertainment One series alongside Tara Long, John Morayniss, Howie Miller, David Shaye, Kim McKoy and Shanta Conic and co-executive producer J. Erving.

News

• Record Industry Considering Standard
• Twitter Revises Active User Figures

Finally, the untitled Manns entry will follow Tamela Mann (Diary of a Mad Black Woman) and David

Palace Hot 100 Radio

Mann (Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns) and feature the couple at home with their four adult children, at exclusive events and with their famous friends. The couple, married for 26 years, have become well-known around the globe for their roles in Tyler Perry's film and stage work. BET has picked up eight hourlong episodes of the show from Entertainment One. The Manns exec produce alongside Long, Miller, McKoy, Roger Bobb and Phil Thornton.

"These three shows are led by talent that our audience connects with but are also very different shows," BET senior vp original programming Charlie Jordan Brookins tells THR. "We're excited about these new shows. What BET does is give the audience what they've been looking for."

WHAT'S HOT

• Pitbull Given Siriusxm Channel
• Miley Cyrus AZZ Raises Eyebrows

The three additions join an unscripted roster that features long-running hit Sunday Best and scripted entries such as The Game, Being Mary Jane, Let's Stay Together and Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Record Industry Considering a Standard, Global Album Release Day

The music industry is on the verge of adopting a global street date that could see all countries issuing new releases on a Friday, probably beginning a year from now, in July 2015, according to industry sources.

Halfdark/Getty Images

While some sources say its a done deal as far as the major labels and the IFPI and RIAA are concerned, other sources insist the issue has yet to be fully decided. The main reason why the industry is moving toward a global street date -- instead of letting each territory pick the day that they feel is best for their respective markets, which is the way it works now -- is to cut down on global piracy.

WHAT'S HOT

• Pitbull Given Siriusxm Channel
• Miley Cyrus AZZ Raises Eyebrows

  With Australia now having a Friday street date, digital piracy begins almost immediately around the globe, as the new release is shared across the web before fans in the U.K. (which has a Monday street date) or the U.S. (which has a Tuesday street date) have a chance to purchase the music legally.

With varying street dates in different markets, the labels are able move their artists around in order to take advantage of marketing opportunities that coincide with the changed street date. Now, labels can still do that on the week of release, but will have less opportunity to schedule a high-profile appearance on the release date itself.

News

• Record Industry Considering Standard
• Twitter Revises Active User Figures

While sources say that digital music service providers like the Friday street date, not all physical merchants have given the change their blessing; some indie labels and indie merchants are opposed to having the global street date on Friday. They say they like the concept of having street dates early in the week because they feel it helps sell more CDs -- devout customers of an artist will come in on Tuesday while others will come in on payday, which is usually at the end of the week. Yet, in the end, brick-and-mortar stores and indie labels may not have much say in picking which day of the week functions as the global street date.

"This global streetdate is necessary for the industry but unfortunately it will be awkward for the physical retailers to change their ways of doing business," says one label executive. "Now, they could have two-thirds of their sales in one day," which would impact retail operation.

 Click to Hear

 Palace Hot 100 Radio Mix "Monday Night Heater"
 

Palace Hot 100 Radio

Meanwhile, preparing for a universal street date is not without issues for all parties, which is why there is so much lead time ahead of the contemplated shift.

Among the issues that have to be addressed to accommodate the shift is that physical pipeline scheduling will have to be revamped, and discussions on whether and how to change the various music charts around the world. Beyond the music industry -- which created the notion of an industry streetdate for new releases and established Tuesday as that day in the U.S. -- other entertainment software industries have adopted Tuesday as well, first the home video industry and then the book industry. Now that the various entertainment
companies have taught the U.S. consumer to go to stores on a Tuesday, will those other industries follow suit and change with the music industry?

Drizzy Laces Up W/ "Drake Vs. Lil Wayne" Exclusive Jordans

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

Young Money's Drake has reminded the world he is still Team Jordan after revealing a pair of customized Jordan Brand sneakers to go with his current "Drake vs. Lil Wayne" tour.

Drizzy jumped onto his Instagram page to showcase the new sneakers.

"Drake vs Lil Wayne Jordan 3's in black #JORDAN #LAFAMILIA #23," Drake captioned to a pair of his tour sneakers August 10.

"Craaaaaaaaazy." (Drake's Instagram)

WHAT'S HOT

• Pitbull Given Siriusxm Channel
• Miley Cyrus AZZ Raises Eyebrows

Over the weekend, Drizzy's mentor Lil Wayne appeared in a promotional clip supporting their current nationwide tour.

"I've been doing this too long for anybody - especially a Drake to be coming at me with some versus Lil Wayne sh*t ," Wayne says at the start of the clip. "When I go to the studio, I got a list of things to do everyday. It's not a such thing as I'm gonna take off and go to the studio this month. Nah, I go to the studio every single day. I work out. ... I don't pick up weights. I already go enough weight on my motherf*cking back. I lift blunts everyday, all day. And this workout regiment right here, when you just lifting these blunts everyday, it makes your forearm ready to knock a n*gga like Drake clean the f*ck out. Know what I'm talking about?" (Vimeo)

News

• Record Industry Considering Standard
• Twitter Revises Active User Figures

Drake took things a step further by revealing how their new "Drake vs. Lil Wayne" tour app worked in the video.

"This is me, working out, getting ready for tour," Drake says in his portion of the clip. "I gotta let the people know I'm super prepared in my own hour, running up and down the stairs. Anyway, um, I'm not here to run up and down stairs or show you me and my friends' graffiti on our special wall, say cool things. I don't think people realize what this is. This isn't a Wayne goes on and I go on and Wayne goes on. This is like me versus whatever, this guy that put me here or whatever. Not only do you decide who wins but you decide who starts the show." (Vimeo)

 Click to Hear

 Palace Hot 100 Radio Mix "Monday Night Heater"

 

Palace Hot 100 Radio

The YMCMB duo kicked off their tour heading into the weekend in upstate New York.

Round 1. The student (Drake) went head-to-head with the teacher (Lil Wayne) on opening night of the "Drake Vs. Lil Wayne" tour, which kicked off in Buffalo, New York, on Friday. The YMCMB all-stars brought their battle to the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in a video game-inspired showdown. (Rap-Up)

Diddy Bids Farewell To Robin Williams: "Can't Believe We Lost A Legend"

Bad Boy Records CEO Diddy is the latest celebrity to react to this week's shocking news of iconic comedian Robin Williams passing away.

Diddy paid homage to the late Hollywood icon and shared a reaction to his surprising death on social media.

 LISTEN NOW to Palace Music DJ imDMC Saturday Night Mix

"Can't believe we lost a legend today. RIP Robin Williams- your legacy will live on forever.," Diddy tweeted August 11.

"RIP ROBIN WILLIAMS http://instagram.com/p/rk9LRNJlyq/" (Diddy's Twitter)

According to reports, Williams died Monday (August 11) morning in California.

Around 11:55 a.m. Monday, sheriff's officials said, a 911 call came in about a man who was unresponsive in his home in Tiburon. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams "has been battling severe depression of late," his publicist Mara Buxbaum said. "This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time." (Los Angeles Times)

 Click to Hear

 Palace Hot 100 Radio Mix "Monday Night Heater"

Williams' publicist broke the news of his unexpected passing Monday evening.

"Robin Williams passed away this morning," rep Mara Buxbaum said in a statement tonight. "He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time." (ABC News)

WHAT'S HOT

• Pitbull Given Siriusxm Channel
• Miley Cyrus AZZ Raises Eyebrows

R&B singer The Weeknd acknowledged how much of an impact Williams had on his life yesterday (August 11).

"thank you for my childhood memories, you've helped me at my darkest times. Rest in Peace Robin Williams...," Weeknd tweeted August 11. (The Weeknd's Twitter)

NCAA Athletes Win Antitrust Lawsuit That Could Pave Way for Pay

A California federal judge issues an injunction against the NCAA from enforcing rules against recruits being offered a limited share of licensing revenue and trust money.

Photo/Eric Draper

Former UCLA star Ed O'Bannon in 1995

In a ruling that figures to change the face of the multi-billion dollar business that is college athletics, a federal judge has ruled in favor of NCAA athletes including former UCLA basketball star Ed O'Bannon in allegations that the NCAA unlawfully restrains them from licensing their names and images in TV game telecasts and videogames. As a result of injunctions now issued, college athletes could be on the path towards being compensated for use of their likenesses.

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken presided over trial in June.

News

• Record Industry Considering Standard
• Twitter Revises Active User Figures

"After considering all of the testimony, documentary evidence, and arguments of counsel presented during and after trial, the Court finds that the challenged NCAA rules unreasonably restrain trade in the market for certain educational and athletic opportunities offered by NCAA Division I schools," she writes in an opinion. "The procompetitive justifications that the NCAA offers do not justify this restraint and could be achieved through less restrictive means."

The ruling upsets "amateurism" policies put in place more than a century ago and could indirectly impact TV broadcasters such as CBS, Fox and NBC Universal paying for college football and basketball rights. It also comes just a day after the NCAA voted to give its largest conferences more power and autonomy to make its own rules.

 Click to Hear

 Palace Hot 100 Radio Mix "Monday Night Heater"

Palace Hot 100 Radio

In the case, the plaintiffs pointed to waivers they were forced to sign as a condition for athletic participation. They said the NCAA then sold group licenses to use their names, images and likenesses to video game publishers and broadcasters. Judge Wilken points to the deals with television companies and notes that those contracts evidence the healthy demand.

"Accordingly, the Court finds that, absent the challenged NCAA rules, teams of FBS football and Division I basketball players would be able to create and sell group licenses for the use of their names, images, and likenesses in live game telecasts," she writes.

The same is true for video games and archival footage.

The NCAA had justification for its amateurism rules including the promotion of competitive balance. The judge looks at a variety of evidence offered by the defendant including a survey concerning whether people would be more or less likely to watch college football and basketball games if student-athletes were paid. (Thirty-eight percent in one survey said they'd be less likely if athletes made more than $20,000 per year.)
But Judge Wilken shrugs off much of the NCAA's testimony supporting restrictions as irrelevant, not credible, contrary to other evidence or unpersuasive. She finds that it doesn't promote competitive balance nor foster academics.

As for alternatives to restraint, the judge examines three scenarios: (1) licensing-derived stipends for the cost of attendance,  (2) setting up a trust fund so that athletes can get a share of licensing income after they graduate, or (3) allowing athletes to make paid endorsements. She likes the first two as limiting the anticompetitive effects of the NCAA's restraints, but not the last.

"The popularity of college sports would not suffer if current and future student-athletes were given the opportunity to receive compensation from their schools after they leave college," she writes.
On the other hand, she later adds, "Allowing student-athletes to endorse commercial products would undermine the efforts of both the NCAA and its member schools to protect against the 'commercial exploitation' of student-athletes."

The ruling isn't a complete win for the athletes. The plaintiffs failed in some of their arguments. For example, the judge notes that while the athletes were successful in showing they've been deprived of compensation, they came up short on showing how the rules hinder competition among the buyers, i.e. the television networks, of group licenses.

WHAT'S HOT

• Pitbull Given Siriusxm Channel
• Miley Cyrus AZZ Raises Eyebrows

"The fact that the networks do not compete to purchase these rights directly from the student-athletes is due to the assurances by the schools, conferences, and NCAA that they have the authority to grant these rights," says the judge. "Such assurances might constitute conversion by the schools of the student-athletes’ rights, or otherwise be unlawful, but they are not anticompetitive because they do not inhibit any form of competition that would otherwise exist. Allowing student-athletes to seek compensation for group licenses would not increase the number of television networks in the market or otherwise enhance competition among them."
Nevertheless, she concludes that the NCAA's rules violate section 1 of the Sherman Act and says she "will enter an injunction to remove any unreasonable elements of the restraint found in this case."

Most importantly, she enjoins the NCAA from enforcing any rule that would prohibit any school or conference from offering recruits a limited share of the revenues generated from the use of their names, images, and likenesses. She also opens the door to money being placed in a trust. In essence, the ruling ushers in compensation, although the NCAA will still be able to impose some restrictions on the pay. She also won't stay the injunction pending an appeal.

Soulja Boy Ready To Gillie: "I'm'ma Take Off My Gucci Belt & Whoop His ..."

Atlanta rapper Soulja Boy has stepped forward to speak out on his issues with rap rival Gillie Da Kid following a publicized online rift they started last week.

SB posted a series of tweets threatening the Philadelphia rap veteran.

"Why this n*gga got kid in his name and be 40? Grow up f*ck that sh*t not cute @gilliedakid ????????," Soulja tweeted August 11.

LISTEN NOW to Palace Music DJ imDMC Saturday Night Mix

"Smh we should be focused on #RIPMikeBrown but now this old a** n*gga wanna beef with rappers half his age ???? these OGs need guidance"

"I'm gonna take off my Gucci belt and whoop his a** like the "kid" he is. ???????? @gilliedakid"

"This n*gga gillie called da ???? on me? Wowwwwwwww u gon tell on me n*gga? Smh that's not street n*gga @gilliedakid" (Soulja Boy's Twitter)

News

• Record Industry Considering Standard
• Twitter Revises Active User Figures

Gillie made sure to speak out and respond to Soulja Boy's Twitter threats.

"Niggaz need 2 slow up on that cocaine n Molly got Niggaz feelin like superman !!!! Hayuuuuuuuuuuuuu #Ctfu," Gillie tweeted August 11.

"Beef wit souljaGirl #2Easy like hittin a piñata and all the candy already on the floor!!!" (Gillie Da Kid's Twitter)

WHAT'S HOT

• Pitbull Given Siriusxm Channel
• Miley Cyrus AZZ Raises Eyebrows

Prior to the latest war of words, Gillie spoke to SOHH about their feud.

"He said he was going to slap me and then I said I'm going to put blood in his mouth. Then he took it to the next level. He said don't get at him with the hands but get at him with the guns. Are you serious? You must have snorted a whole half a brick this morning. It's that godd*mn social media. They think money gives you power and respect but in actuality it doesn't do anything but pay for your f*cking funeral." (SOHH)

 Click to Hear

 Palace Hot 100 Radio Mix "Monday Night Heater"

 
He also accused SB of using social media to create a fake image of himself.

"A lot of n*ggas think money gives you money and respect. But at the end of the day, you should be mad at the n*gga that got at me on Twitter. If anything, he should have got at himself for posting up fake money. Don't be mad at me. You're the one that posed with the fake money. How could I throw a fake chain on, take a picture and then when it gets exposed that it's fake, you're gonna get mad at me? Don't get at me. You should be mad at yourself." (SOHH)

Twitter Revises Active User Figures, Admits 23 Million Are Bots

By Billboard Staff 

In its second quarter earnings, Twitter disclosed that as many as 14 percent of the site's monthly active users (MAUs), or about 38 million people, were exclusively using third-party apps. That number was at 7 percent a year ago, meaning a growing amount of users of the service were not seeing ads on Twitter.com. In a new filing this week with the SEC, the company lowered that estimate to 11 percent, or around 8.9 million fewer than previously thought. 

Zing Images/Getty Images

News

• Record Industry Considering Standard
• Twitter Revises Active User Figures

Twitter explains the mistake by saying that after releasing the original figures, they discovered the 14% "included certain users who accessed Twitter through owned and operated applications." This is likely an acknowledgment that users of the Twitter-owned Tweetdeck were included in earlier estimates.

WHAT'S HOT

• Pitbull Given Siriusxm Channel
• Miley Cyrus AZZ Raises Eyebrows

Palace Hot 100 Radio

In the new filing, the company also adds another noteworthy metric: as many as 8.5% of all MAUs use third-party apps that are able to automatically contact their servers without any human interaction at all. That translates to about 23 million bots, ranging from comical (@MarmiteBot) to public service (@NYCASP). 

"The calculations of MAUs presented in our earnings materials may be affected as a result of automated activity," Twitter acknowledged. The company said they regularly review and adjust their processes and methodology for calculating internal metrics to improve accuracy.

 Click to Hear

 Palace Hot 100 Radio Mix "Monday Night Heater"

Last month the San Francisco tech company reported strong user growth for the second quarter. Average monthly active users were 271 million as of June 30, up 24 percent over the same period last year. Twitter also revealed that revenue climbed 124 percent to $312 million for the quarter. Wall Street responded and Twitter stock rose 30 percent.