Afeni Shakur tries to stop recordings sale

Death Row Records is in the midst of a fire sale as it tries to find its way through bankruptcy proceedings, and Afeni Shakur doesn't want her son's legacy to be part of it. The mother of the late Tupac Shakur is in the midst of a legal fight to prevent Death Row from selling his unreleased recordings as part of a bankruptcy settlement.

Afeni Shakur has sought an injunction in federal bankruptcy court, claiming the label was trying to sell Shakur material that belonged to the rapper's estate and should have been turned over to it as part of a 1997 agreement with Death Row. Shakur's lawyer Donald N. David said that during the label's bankruptcy proceedings, "it was revealed that an album's worth of unreleased Tupac material was being advertised to potential buyers as the jewel in the crown of the Death Row assets."

The court was expected to consider the request within a month when it decides whether to permit the label to release an album with the unreleased tracks to help pay off its debts, David told the Associated Press.

Death Row has been mired in financial trouble for several years, and founder Marion "Suge" Knight filed for bankruptcy in April 2006. Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas in 1996 while riding in the passenger seat of Knight's car.

Clarkson talks about Davis beef on site

Her dispute with legendary music mogul and RCA label boss Clive Owen has spilled out into the public in recent weeks, as has quite a bit of turmoil surrounding her new album, My December, and Clarkson now regrets it.

In a post on her Web site, Clarkson wrote, "A lot has been made in the press about my relationship with Clive. Much of this has been blown way out of proportion and taken out of context. Contrary to recent characterizations in the press, I'm well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date. He has also given me respect by releasing my new album when he was not obligated to do so."

"I really regret how this has turned out, and I apologize to those whom I have done disservice," she continued. "I would never intentionally hurt anyone. I love music, and I love the people I am blessed to work with."

Clarkson and Davis reportedly disagreed over the inclusion of several tracks on her new album, and Davis was unhappy with Clarkson's decision to include only self-penned songs on My December, which hit stores in late June. Clarkson went on to fire her manager Jeff Kwatinetz and called off a massive planned summer tour due to low ticket sales.

R. Kelly jury selection to begin

The long-dormant trial of R. Kelly on child pornography charges appears to be finally ready to commence. The Chicago Tribune reported this week that jury selection is set to begin in the case, as attorneys for both sides reportedly presented their jury questionnaires to a Chicago judge on Friday.

Kelly--real name Robert Kelly--was present during the brief morning hearing. Judge Vincent Gaughan set the next hearing date for tomorrow, when prosecutors and defense attorneys will present the judge with a combined questionnaire form to be filled out by potential jurors.

Kelly faces 14 counts of child pornography, stemming from a videotape released in February 2002 by an unknown source, of Kelly allegedly performing sexual acts with an underage girl.

Yayo turns down plea deal

Continuing to deny that he slapped around the song of the Game's manager, G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo turned down a plea deal that would have had him serving nine months in jail. Yayo was in court Tuesday morning in connection with charges of harassment and endangering the welfare of a child, the 14-year-old son of Game manager Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond. Following Yayo's rejection of the deal, the case was adjourned until Sept. 6.

Yayo has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stem from a March incident in which he allegedly slapped Rosemond's 14-year-old son, who was reportedly wearing a T-shirt of his father's company, Czar Entertainment. The incident sparked a furor in New York City, with some protesters calling for a boycott of 50 Cent and G-Unit, a move that 50 Cent turned into a marketing campaign.

Buju Banton signs pledge

Buju Banton has finally given in to a barrage of accusations and calls for change, agreeing to sign a pledger to stop using homophobic lyrics in his songs. The reggae star will bring to an end a three-year campaign against his lyrics by signing the "Reggae Compassionate Act," which was created by the gay rights campaign group Stop Murder Music. Banton's song "Boom Bye Bye," which reportedly advocates the shooting of gay men, has drawn the singer a slew of criticism over the years from gay rights and human rights groups.

Banton will join the likes of Beenie Man in signing the pledge and agreeing not to make homophobic statements in public, release new homophobic songs or authorize the re-release of previous homophobic songs, according to the Guardian.