YeagerNews 092509

[Kris @yeagerhood]

EMINEM VS. APPLE Apple Inc. and Eminem's music publisher have failed to settle a dispute over 93 songs on iTunes, clearing the way for a trial that began yesterday in the rapper's hometown of Detroit. According to the Associated Press, Em’s publishing company, Eight Mile, say they never authorized the 93 songs in a downloadable format on iTunes. The publisher alleges copyright infringement. Apple, on the other hand, says it has a valid agreement with Aftermath Records, which controls the Eminem sound recordings at issue in the case.

LIL WAYNE’S REBIRTH DUE IN DECEMBER
Lil Wayne’s Rebirth will be released in December. The often delayed album, which was scheduled to hit stores back in April then pushed to November, will now be released on December 15th, according to Rap-up.com. The album marks Weezy’s foray into a more rock centered hip-hop. Two songs from the album have already been released, “Prom Queen” and “Hot Revolver.”

KANYE WINS A DELAY IN HEARING
Kanye West, who is still feeling the heat over storming the stage at the VMAs, won a delay in his pre-trial hearing for his meltdown at Los Angeles International Airport over a year ago. According to the Associated Press, an L-A City Attorney has charged him with three misdemeanors -- vandalism, theft and battery for breaking a paparazzi camera back on September 11th, 2008. Kanye's lawyer, Blair Berk, appeared in front of the judge and got the pre-trial hearing pushed to October 23rd.

SPICE GIRLS TO OPEN THE WORLD CUP?
The Spice Girls aren’t officially getting back together, but it appears they will be playing a one-off in South Africa. According to British paper The Sun, the ladies are trying to put something together that would have them opening up the 2010 World Cup. A source also told the paper that Victoria Beckham “doesn’t want to take part.”

UNCLE KRACKER TO PLAY IEBA CONVENTION
Uncle Kracker is going to be joining an already impressive list of performers at this year’s International Entertainment Buyers Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The Detroit Rocker will be sharing the stage with Michelle Branch, Don Felder, Boyz II Men and many others. The event takes place from October 11th through the 13th. Learn more at IEBA.com.

LILY ALLEN TO QUIT MUSIC?
It seems that Lily Allen’s days as a singer-songwriter could be over. According to NME.com, Allen wrote on her personal blog that she would not be renewing her contract with EMI and that she does not plan on releasing another album. Her publicist tried to do some damage control, telling the Web site that “she is not quitting pop music. She is not thinking about her next album right now because she is still in the middle of promoting her current record.” The blog has since been removed.

BLUE OCTOBER TO HEADLINE TOUR
Blue October will headline a month-long tour in support of suicide prevention and awareness. The Houston rockers will be raising money for the national hotline 1-800-SUICIDE as well as the campaign To Write Love On Her Arms. To purchase tickets for the Pick Up The Phone Tour 2009, head to PUTP.org.