T.I. BREAKS SILENCE ON $75 MILLION BIDDING WAR REPORTS

Grammy-winning rapper T.I. has finally stepped up to address rumors and speculation which claim he is in the midst of a multi-million dollar bidding war involving record labels like Jay-Z's Roc Nation.

Happy at Atlantic Records, the "King of the South" said he has no interest in feeding into the media hype and speculation over his future label status.

"[laughs] Hey look man I see all that sh*t man...I respect my present partners at Atlantic records and had there ever been a separation between them and myself I would respect my new partners in such a way that I'm not gonna sensationalize anything. They give me my fair market value for what it is I have to offer. And if you want to be in business with me let's give each other %110. But just going out and doing gossip type stories that ain't a huge part of what I do. [Would I like to stay at Atlantic Records?] Ay man, I'd love to stay where I am. It'd have to be shown that the feeling is mutual and the way you do that is on paper with commitment to dollars." (The Urban Daily)

Earlier this month, Tip got attached to $75 million bidding war chatter.

Got $75 million handy? If so, you can sign T.I. to your label ... the hip hop star just became the number-one free agent in rap -- and despite the steep price tag he's putting out ... some deep pockets are already lining up. Sources close to T.I. tell TMZ ... T.I.'s 10-year contract with Atlantic ran up only a month ago ... but he's already put together his own idea of a $75 million deal: - 3 albums - 10-20 percent of publishing, touring, merchandise, film and TV rights - Corporate endorsement deals - Exclusive signing of all Grand Hustle artists. (TMZ)

There is reportedly $50 million waiting for Tip along with interest from Dr. Dre and Jay-Z on the table.

Sources close to T.I. tell TMZ ... he's already met with some of the industry's biggest names ... including Dr. Dre, who asked him to join Interscope over dinner at Katana recently (see picture) ... and Jay-Z, who wants T.I. in the RocNation family. We're told Sony's put a $50 million deal on the table so far ... and Universal's meeting with him later this week to make an offer too. (TMZ)

Coincidentally, Atlantic Records contacted T.I. last year for his opinion on hiring fellow Atlanta rapperYoung Jeezy as its senior vice president of A&R.

"I think that's phenomenal for Young and I've known about it for quite some time now. He came and spoke to me and asked me how I felt about it as far as whether or not it was a good fit for him," Tip revealed in an interview. "And [Atlantic] came and asked me how I felt about it whether I felt that he was a good fit for the position and what not and I think it's phenomenal. Now as far as me, I don't know if I could necessarily do it. When I'm not working on my projects or focusing on my label's projects I'mma go do me some movies or I'mma be bouncing back and forth doing other things. So I just don't know how much undivided attention I could dedicate to a position like that." ("The Morning Riot")

NEW MUSIC: CHRISETTE MICHELE -- "A COUPLE OF FOREVERS"

Time makes no difference to R&B songstress Chrisette Michele as she serenades her lover on "A Couple of Forevers." A perfect slow jam to throw in your Valentine's Day mix for that significant other. "A Couple of Forevers" is off Michele's forthcoming album Better.

TEACHER LETS STUDENTS WEAR KKK ROBES DURING PRESENTATION

A social studies teacher's decision to let her students were KKK robes to class is sparking a bit of a debate. On Jan. 9, two Las Vegas Academy students dressed up in Klan's white robes and hooded cloaks to drive home a point in their U.S. history presentation. The students had a choice of either writing a research paper, creating an art or dance piece or performing a first-person narrative. The students chose the latter. Controversy arose after a photograph of them wearing the questionable attire outside of the classroom hit social media.

According to the Las Vegas Sun, the school's principal, Scott Walker, sent a letter to the parents addressing the issue:

“While the presentation was designed to highlight the atrocities committed by the Klan, and there was no intention to harm or offend on the part of the students, it was in poor judgment and inappropriate for students to go to such lengths to convey their message," Walker said. "I am deeply saddened that LVA, which prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment for all, was the site of any action that could cause sadness and anger for our school family. We are deeply sorry for this offensive incident and appreciate your support and cooperation as we use these events as teachable moments about cultural and historical understanding."

Taylor Swift Scores ‘Long Term Partnership’ With Diet Coke

 

Coca-Cola confirmed Monday reports that Diet Coke has committed to "long-term partnership with" Taylor Swift. As part of Diet Coke’s Stay Extraordinary campaign, Swift will be featured in television, print and digital advertising scheduled to launch this spring.

According to a press release, the singer will “serve as a program ambassador for several Diet Coke initiatives and will be integrated into all key marketing efforts for the brand -- including advertising, retail activation, experiential and more.”

"Taylor's unmatched business savvy, talent and drive to succeed are an inspiration to everyone. She's an extraordinary individual and a wonderful symbol of achievement," said Katie Bayne, President, North America Brands, The Coca-Cola Company, in the release. "Taylor tells us that every day Diet Coke plays a small part in helping her stay extraordinary. It's one of the many reasons she's the ideal partner to represent our brand."

“I’ve said for years that Diet Coke just ‘gets me’ and my lifestyle. I’m so excited about our new partnership,” said Swift.

The release also said the brand will “give fans extraordinary access to Swift -- both online and in person -- throughout her highly anticipated Red Tour,” which begins on March 13 in Omaha, Neb., although it did not provide details.

THIS TIME-LAPSE VIDEO SHOWS HOW THE STAPLES CENTER WAS TRANSFORMED FOR THE 2012 GRAMMY AWARDS

The countdown is officially on! As of today, there are only 16 days left until the 55th Grammy Awards are held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which also serves as the home of theLos Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Los Angeles Kings. So, yesterday, the Grammy organizers released a time-lapse video of the Staples Center from the 54th Grammy Awards last February to show exactly how they managed to transform the space into a place worthy of hosting the biggest night in music.

It's remarkable to see how it happens, too. At home, you'd swear the Grammys were being held in a large venue like Radio City Music Hall. At least, that's what it looks like on TV. But, in reality, the stage in surrounded by hundreds of seats that are typically used during basketball and hockey games. And, the gigantic stage and screens that they put up are designed to bring the Staples Center to life. You'd never guess it was an arena if you didn't know that's where the Grammys were being held beforehand.

To get a better look at how the Staples Center gets transformed for Grammy night, watch the time-lapse video courtesy of the Grammys below. And, make sure you tune into the 2013 Grammy Awards on CBS on February 10 to see this year's set-up.

Beyonce 'Did Not Sing Live,' Inauguration Official Confirms

 

An inaugural official confirmed to CNN on Wednesday that Beyonce lip-synced the national anthem during Monday's Inauguration Day ceremony. "She did not sing live," the official, who asked to remain anonymous, told CNN, adding that the singer made the decision herself to go with a pre-recording the night before Monday's ceremony.

"Because she didn't have time to rehearse with the Marine Band, she decided to use her recording with the Marine Band," the official added. "It was all Beyonce."

Did Beyonce Lip-Sync at Inauguration? Marines Soften Earlier Bombshell

Mid-performance, Beyonce pulled out her earpiece, which ostensibly was being used to time her lip movements to the music; how she was able to continue to perfectly time her singing could be a result of having performed the song so often.

Other performers Monday included Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir; there has been no indication that they did not perform their songs live.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps Band told the London Times its members performed live.

"We don't know why Beyonce decided to use prerecorded music," the spokesperson added. "All music [for inaugural ceremonies] is prerecorded as a matter of course, and that's something we've done for years and years. The Marine Band did perform live throughout the ceremony, but we received last-minute word that Beyonce wanted to use the recording."

Later, the Marine Corps issued another statement that threw its initial admission into question.

"The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) requested that the Marine Band accompany Beyonce Knowles-Carter in the performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at the 2013 Inaugural Ceremony. However, there was no opportunity for Ms. Knowles-Carter to rehearse with the Marine Band before the Inauguration so it was determined that a live performance by the band was ill-advised for such a high-profile event. Each piece of music scheduled for performance in the Inauguration is pre-recorded for use in case of freezing temperatures, equipment failure, or extenuating circumstances. Regarding Ms. Knowles-Carter's vocal performance, no one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded."

Beyonce sang "At Last" at the 2009 Inaugural Ball for the president and first lady and, along with husband Jay-Z, has become close with the first family.

In 2009, Jennifer Hudson lip-synced the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, and Faith Hill lipped along with a prerecorded "America the Beautiful." And Whitney Houston lip-synced her famous rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1991 Super Bowl.

Among the celebrities who have come to Beyonce's defense are Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys and former Destiny's Child bandmate Michelle Williams.

Earlier, White House spokesman Jay Carney told the press at a briefing that he has "no idea" whether Beyonce lip-synced.

"What I know about this, [I] mostly know from what I've read and shockingly it has not all been consistent," he said, as quoted by Politico. "I actually have no idea what's true and what's not about what happened here and I don't think it's particularly important to address from the podium here."

Beyonce, who will take the stage at halftime of the Super Bowl on Feb. 3, has yet to comment.    

"LOVE & HIP HOP" STAR'S BABY MAMA DRAMA CAUGHT ON TAPE, ARREST FOOTAGE LEAKS [VIDEO]

Weeks after making headlines for getting arrested on child support charges, footage of "Love & Hip Hop" cast member/manager Rich Dollaz's run-in with police has now surfaced.

In the footage, Dollaz is initially shown doing an interview before getting interrupted by police.

In this clip, Rich Dollaz (long-suffering manager of Olivia primarily for the purposes of the reality show Love and Hip Hop) is begrudgingly being interviewed by the Mouth To Ears blog in the lobby of a hotel....when cops show up to arrest him. The arrest allegedly traces back to an ongoing child support claim. And while it seems like a bit of a hassle (especially when the baby mama pressing charges appears outside the hotel to scream at Dollaz for added melodrama)...if you notice how surly and condescending Dollaz is in the beginning of the interview, maybe the interruption wasn't so inconvenient after all. Kismet! (Miss Info TV)

Gossip and speculation of the arrest sizzled online around mid-January.

January 11, 2013: Just when you thought that the show Love And Hip Hop NY couldn't have any MORE drama . . . one of the stars, Rich Dollaz was ARRESTED last night in Memphis - for CHILD SUPPORT. You see, his babys mother Chaundrea Nicolle had him put on Child support for their 12 year old daughter earlier this year. According to Chaundra he NEVER really paid any support. But Rich claims that he is not CERTAIN that the girl is IN FACT his. Either way, Rich went to Memphis, Chaundra's home town, yesterday to do a party. And Chaundra tipped off police - who apprehend Rich at the airport. Rich was released on bail and then he took to Twitter to GLOAT about getting out on Twitter. (Media Take Out)

This comes weeks after Rich reportedly got engaged to fellow "Love & Hip Hop" cast member Erica Mena.

Last night, we were on hand for a screening of the new season held at Kiss and Fly Club, and Erica dropped the bombshell that she was engaged to Rich Dollaz. The two are currently in the midst of planning a summer wedding and Erica has a new "R" tattoo, which she reveals in the first episode of the show. (Necole Bitchie)

Back in 2010, former G-Unit member Olivia spoke to SOHH about having love and respect for the renowned manager.

"He's a character" Olivia told SOHH with a smile. "I love Rich, I'm glad we teamed up. We probably met, I wanna say six or seven months ago. And it feels like I've known him my whole life. So it's a great connection with the both of us, we work very well, I don't have to tell him what I need done, like, he'll call me and be on top of it all the time with like interviews and whatever. Most managers don't talk to their artists on a daily basis and he does that, which is really good." (SOHH)

Check out the arrest footage: