50 unveils cover art, talks Eminem, Cam'ron

One thing is certain: Between now and the June 26 release of his forthcoming album, Curtis, 50 Cent will be keeping himself in the news. The rapper revealed the cover art for Curtis this week, as seen at right. He also opined on the possibility of a new album from Eminem, as well as his ongoing beef with Cam'ron, who recently posted a video of him at his vacation home wearing boxer shorts and warning 50 Cent to expect a "hot summer." Cam'ron made a video earlier this year in which he shouted 50's given name, Curtis, over and over.

"He's delusional," 50 told MTV News. "For a person to think that calling you the name your mom gave you at birth is disrespectful is beyond belief. He's punished himself more than I can punish him. He's made a fool of himself. There's nobody asking me about Cam'ron. I think people lost interest in it, based on the situation. He's not even relevant. You're talking about a guy who sold 270,000 [copies] his last record. I sold 9.8 million my last record. I'm not going to exhaust my audience by talking about somebody they have no interest in."

Fiddy also said that although Eminem won't talk about it, the Detroit rapper has been working on new material. "He's got a new album coming," he said. "He's not gonna tell people that, but he's making new music. I've heard a few songs, and it's hot. He won't tell nobody he's working on a new album, but I'll tell you: He's working on new music. And once he locks into it, like, 'This is my favorite s***,' it's gonna come out. ... Michael Jordan was supposed to play basketball. Floyd Mayweather was meant to box. And Eminem was meant to rap."

Pras says Fugees' reunion dead

Pras is no longer waiting by the phone, hoping to hear from Lauryn Hill. The Fugees rapper told SOHH.com that a Fugees' reunion is "straight dead," despite loads of hype and a big marketing push in late 2005 to make it happen. The trio released a single, "Take It Easy," in late 2005, but an album never materialized.

"You know, unfortunately Miss Hill, she got some things she needs to deal with," Pras told the site. "I wish her the best, but life goes on." He emphasized that he's got plenty of work, including a forthcoming third solo album, as well as a handful of movie roles. "You know I'm doing movies hard, man. I'm doing a bunch of different movies."

Scott Stapp apologizes, asks for privacy

Four days after he was arrested for allegedly throwing an Orangina bottle at his wife, Scott Stapp has issued an apology and a request for privacy. In a statement issued today, Stapp thanked fans for the support they've received "during this insecure time in our marriage. I was shocked at how many have rallied around us. I am truly sorry and seek forgiveness from my wife, as she has done the same seeking forgiveness from me. We both know we were wrong in how we handled the argument and in some of the allegations that were made. Now we are trying to move forward as a family. Things were stated to the police in the heat of anger that were not completely accurate. Things have been said to the media and reported after the fact that are not accurate as well."

Stapp went on to say that he wished they hadn't gotten the police or the media involved and that he hoped people would respect their privacy as they seek counseling and worth through their dispute. "My wife and I love each other very much and are actively seeking support to help us resolve this tough time and bring our loving family back together as one."

Young Jeezy arrested at strip club

Young Jeezy was arrested early this morning at an Atlanta strip club called Stokers, according to AllHipHop.com. Police told the site that Jeezy--real name Jay Jenkins--was taken into custody at around 3:30 a.m., after a verbal altercation between Jeezy's entourage and the club's security at the entrance. Jeezy reportedly tried to intervene to calm the dispute and was arrested instead. He was taken into custody and later released on $284 bond.

The Strokes to take the year off

The Strokes confirmed today that they will be taking 2007 off and won't be releasing any new material until next year at the earliest. In a post on the band's MySpace page, the Strokes said they "are still enjoying some much needed 'off time.' I wouldn't expect anything to come out this year. In the meantime, they are staying busy pursuing some other personal interests and are busy working/writing/rehearsing and all those things bands do in between albums. But, there are no immediate plans to release an album or tour for the time being."

In addition to Albert Hammond Jr.'s solo album and tour, frontman Julian Casablancas performed guest vocals on the new Queens of the Stone Age album, Era Vulgaris. The post also revealed that The Strokes' Web site will be down for the next week while they rejig it.

Lady Sov explains NYC meltdown

Lady Sovereign issued a statement today to explain the latest in a series of onstage meltdowns over the past year. The pint-sized British rapper cut short a set in Brooklyn last Friday night at Studio B, shutting down after two songs and telling the crowd she was just doing it for the money. "I'm so broke right now," she said. "I'm just about paying my rent. I'm gonna be homeless in two weeks. I'm not even joking. You don't understand I've just come out of depression... This is so painful to do."

"I know how stupid I must have looked on Friday," Sov said in the statement. "I was tired and not in the mood, having a bad day. But that's no excuse for letting fans down, I'm sorry to those that were at Studio B to see me." Sov is set to perform in NYC on July 7 for the opening night party for Spiegeltent.

Neko Case bustier on eBay

A bustier worn by Neko Case has been put up for auction on eBay. Seattle photographer Victoria Renard, who photographed Case in the bustier in 2000 for the Sympathy for the Record Industry promotional calendar, has placed the bustier up for auction for charity. The bustier, "a 50s era black lace full length girdle-style bustier with 6 garter attachments made by Lady Marlene," was dubbed "The Secret Weapon because it made you look hot in or out of your clothing and mysteriously attracted members of the opposite sex for either of us when worn," Renard wrote on the auction page.

The winning bidder will receive an original 8x10 color print of the photo [pictured] of Neko wearing The Secret Weapon. Partial proceeds from this sale will go to Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue in honor of Neko's beloved greyhound, whom she rescued." The latest bid is $175.