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While Xzibit was surfing at Bondi Beach in Australia, the rip tide carried him out into the Pacific Ocean. Lifeguards helped the rapper get back to the beach safely.

Taking his cues from the success of Eminem’s film debut, "8 Mile," and the success of rapper/actors like Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z has confirmed he will make no more records after his next release, "The Black Album," and pursue acting. "I’ve done basically everything, and now it’s time to take on new and different channels. I feel that I’m at that point in my career," said Jay-Z.

Warlock Records Vice President Diana J. Lemchak, 39, and her husband, Gary Clugston, 37, were found dead in their upstate New York home. The police are investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.

Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, also know as EPMD, will be dropping their 7th album, "We Mean Business," later this year on J Records. The album will include guest spots by K-Solo and Das-EFX.

Swizz Beatz has a new record label called Full Surface Records through Clive Davis’s J Records, which recently merged with RCA Records to form the RCA Music Group. R&B veteran Keith Sweat, reggae kingpin Bounty Killa, radio and television personality Big Tigger, R&B singer Mashonda, Atlanta-based rapper Yung Wun, and Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy are all recent signings to Full Surface Records.

Officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana as a rented 2003 Lincoln Town car proceeded through a New Orleans insurance checkpoint stop. During the stop, the officers saw two lit marijuana cigarettes in the vehicle’s ashtray. After searching the car, police found a small amount of cocaine in the trunk as well as small amounts of marijuana on two passengers. All three suspects, including Juvenile, a.k.a. Terius Gray, were arrested & charged with possession of cocaine.

Dino of the R&B group H-Town died Tuesday, January 28th, in an automobile accident. An SUV allegedly ran a red light and struck the vehicle where Dino was a passenger, throwing both Dino and the driver from the car. H-Town had a smash hit, "Knockin’ The Boots," nine years ago, and had just finished recording a reunion album in preparation for a reunion tour. Those plans are now on hold after Dino’s death.

A court has ordered that Truth Hurts’ "Addictive" be pulled from store shelves until the credits are re-printed to include Indian composer Bappi Lahiri’s name. The title track, which was produced by DJ Quik, uses a sample from a piece Bappi Lahiri wrote for the 1987 Indian film, "Jhoothi."

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has inked a 3-year deal with Universal to distribute and promote his Bad Boy Entertainment record label. New Edition, Dream, 8Ball & MJG, and Loon are all scheduled for upcoming releases under the new deal. Combs will retain 100% ownership of his company, the catalog and the roster of Bad Boy artists.

Vita has been in talks with Murder Inc’s Irv Gotti, who has reconsidered her contract. Her album is due later this year.

Nelly wears the band-aid to display him covering the wound he has received ever since his brother, nicknamed "City Spud," has been incarcerated. He said he will continue to wear it until his brother is released, but will not wear it at this year’s Grammy awards.

ArtistDirect, home of Smilez & Southstar, has recently signed The Liks, MC Lyte, Warren G, and Ali Shaheed Muhammed.

Haystak responded to Benzino’s accusation that "white MCs have infiltrated hip-hop culture by challenging him to a lyrical battle for 1 million dollars. Benzino has not publicly responded to the challenge as of press time.

Mobb Deep reportedly received a $10 million advance for signing with Jive Records, and also will retain 50% of future profits.

Mississippi producer & recording artist David Banner has signed a $10 million deal with Steve Rifkin’s SRC/Universal Records.

Every Sunday night from 7-9 PM on 94.1 FM (WQBT) The Beat in Savannah, GA, Camoflauge is hosting the all-new Pure Pain Radio. Any artist or DJ with promos, intros, or drops, call 912-447-8323.

After media speculation, Nivea has admitted that she and Lil’ Wayne are a couple.