Eminem burns house despite protests
A film crew shooting Eminem's upcoming movie set fire to a Detroit-area house despite protests from residents. A monthlong arson spree earlier this year that left several burned out homes in Highland Park was the main reason locals were opposed to filming the scene for "8 Mile," the semi-autobiographical movie starring Eminem, Kim Basinger and Brittany Murphy. However, the film company agreed to spend $20,000 to demolish the abandoned house as well as two others and promised to also make a donation to the neighborhood. The producers contended that the scene was critical to the film because it signifies the point at which the main character decides to turn his life around.
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Despite selling less than half as many albums as the previous week, 
For those that don't know, KRS-One's first album with Boogie Down Productions was called Criminal Minded, and it's considered a hip-hop classic. Since that debut dropped in 1987, KRS has gone from philosopher to teacher to ambassador and beyond, and he'll tell you that every step of the way has been "overseen by Scott La Rock," his late partner who teamed with him on that first disc and has been referenced on the eight solo and BDP albums since. But now KRS, partially fueled by the events of Sept. 11, is taking his beliefs mainstream for his next album, Spiritually Minded, and is adding a touch of gospel. "When I began to think about what my 10th album should sound like, I could not help but to think of the people that yearn deeply for the spiritual meaning of life and living," KRS said in a statement released by his label, Koch Entertainment. "I could not help but think of them seeking and searching the narrow path of righteousness only to be bombarded and harassed daily by wickedness and deceit. But be strong! I have made it my life's work to be the light in the dark and the heat in the cold... to be the truth in an ignorant world. I speak to your strengths not your weaknesses. I say these things so that when those who are blind and those who are lost criticize us know that our God is forever ahead of them. Therefore, do not be fearful, you must believe. For even as you read these words, God has already made a way for you. Do not doubt yourself and God, believe in yourself with God." Among the guest artists on Spiritually Minded are Greg Nice, Fat Joe and Rampage, who joined forces with KRS for a joint called "Come to the Temple." Another track, "Tears" is dedicated to the lives that were lost in the terrorist attacks. Spiritually Minded is scheduled to hit stores Jan. 22.
TLC's Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, apparently distraught over the fact that Arista never released her debut solo album in the United States, has taken on a new identity and signed with Suge Knight's Death Row Records, now simply known as Tha Row Records. "N.I.N.A., formerly known as Left Eye, is now with us and will be releasing her solo debut next year," Knight said in a brief statement that appeared on Tha Row's official web site just before the new year. According to Left Eye's publicist, N.I.N.A. is an acronym for "New Identity Non-Applicable." Left Eye's solo debut, Supernova, was released last year overseas, but when it became apparent that Arista had no plans to release it domestically, she decided to stream the album on her own web site last August. The signing to Tha Row has been rumored since Knight and Left Eye were seen at a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 9 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Tha Liks' J-Ro is nearly finished with the latest tribute to funk pioneer Roger Troutman, an album titled Still More Bounce. Unlike 2000's A Tribute to Roger Troutman, which was mostly a 
O.J. Simpson says hip-hop music -- and 2Pac in particular -- helped him deal with life after his murder trial. Simpson was hosting a hip-hop concert Sunday night and spoke to the audience before the event, which was canceled early Monday after only 100 people showed up. Simpson said he became interested in hip-hop after listening to 2Pac's music. "He was singing about having these crazy things happening around him, and I could relate to that," Simpson said. Simpson was acquitted of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in Los Angeles. He moved to Florida from California after a civil court ordered him to pay $33.5 million in a wrongful death lawsuit. 
Earlier this week, The 411 Online reported that "How High," starring 
Coolio hit the slopes in Bend, Ore., last week after performing in Kuwait as part of the USO tour. "It's a country that is still at war," Coolio told The Associated Press, noting that he was escorted by armed guards at all times. "It didn't bother me -- I got people driving next to me with guns every day. I'm from L.A." Coolio agreed to the concert date in the Pacific Northwest with one condition -- he had to be allowed to go snowboarding. Coolio spent the daylight hours on Friday testing his skills before heading to Club 97 in Bend to perform songs from his upcoming album, Coolio 2002, which he says is his best work. "I just get better, I think. If you get wise, more experienced at things, you should get better." Coolio, who recently triumphed in the celebrity edition of NBC's "Fear Factor," has two movie cameos in the works for next year.