After rumors of Whitney Houston’s death hit Twitter, our inboxes were flooded with all kinds of reports both denying and verifying claims. However, the AP has officially confirmed the legendary singer has died. Whitney’s publicist spoke to the outlet earlier this evening. Stay tuned for more details as no further information has been released on her death at this time.

Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

UPDATE: Whitney’s body was found at the Beverly Hills Hotel at 3:55pm PT. Paramedics could not revive her.

• CNN confirms Whitney’s bodyguard, named Ray, found her body. It was not Ray J as first reported.
• CNN also says Jennifer Hudson may perform Whitney tribute during Grammy Awards
• Simon Cowell says he had Whitney in mind for the next season of X-Factor.
• CNN says the Clive Davis party will be happening tonight. Info says invited guests have told her the same thing.
• Watch: Live Stream for Clive Davis’ Grammy Party
• Whitney’s last Film, Sparkle, will be released in August as planned.
• The LA Times says Whitney was spotted displaying erratic behavior before her death
• TMZ is reporting Whitney was found in her bathtub and may have overdosed from prescription pill mixed with alcohol
• Forbes Has a first hand account of the hotel scene where and when Whitney passed

Mariah Carey tweeted: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”

Whitney was just spotted at Grammy rehearsals with Brandy and Monica…
She also performed “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” at a Grammy party 2 days ago…
Kelly Price spoke about hanging with Whitney a few nights prior…
Simon Cowell and Lionel Ritchie comments to CNN…
footage after the jump…

Simon Cowell told CNN: “People like that can’t be manufactured. They’ve either got it or they haven’t. I was only talking about her music to a friend of mine the other day. Her records don’t sound old fashioned now. They don’t sound like they were made 20, 30 years ago. They still sound incredible. She still sounds incredible and they’re gonna sound incredible in 50 or 100 years time. There’s something about a Whitney record. It wasn’t just the power of her voice. It was the way that she could sell a song, the way that she could sell a lyric. That’s part of the reason why she was so special and the whole diva thing came with that, because she was entitled to be a diva when she’s got that much talent.”

Lionel Richie told CNN: “I’m absolutely devastated. I always say this all the time. We are a business, unfortunately, of such great talent but also of great tragedy. And we see it happen so many times from the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s. We watch them come, we watch them go and you keep thinking, it can’t happen to this next generation. It’s not going to happen and sure enough here we go again. Michael was enough just to stop traffic with me. I couldn’t believe it. And then you see Whitney. I talked to her, how are you doing? Are you okay? And you keep hoping for the best but then when you get this kind of news, there’s really nothing but silence…. She had that voice. She had that voice that could just turn a story, a melody into just magical, magical notes.”

While details are still coming in regarding the tragic, shocking and unfortunate death of the great Whitney Houston, many celebrities have taken to Twitter to express shock and their condolences to one of the greatest voices of our time.

RIP Whitney Houston.

Reactions from all corners of the entertainment industry after the jump…..

Previously: Rest In Peace: Whitney Houston, Dead At Age 48

When rappers aren’t giving each other watches, its cars. YMCMB is reaping the benefits from a great 2011 it looks like as Cash Money CEO’s Birdman and Slim had a couple of special gifts for Lil’ Wayne and Mack Maine. Baby treated himself and Weezy with brand-new 2012 Bentleys, while Mack received a spanking new Rolls Royce Phantom.

Mack’s reaction throughout the video is best, as for me? No words.

via Derick G

Previously:
Lil’ Wayne Feat. Bruno Mars – “Mirrors” (Video)
Lil’ Wayne’s Back With ‘Weezy’s Sports Corner’ (Episode 3)
Birdman Says Lil’ Wayne’s ‘I Am Not Human Being 2′ Coming This Spring

Things are not so well for Cory Gunz. Last night, reports came out that the YMCMB rapper was arrested for gun possession in his home area of the Bronx, NY on Saturday afternoon. Today, his father Peter Gunz confirmed with MTV News that his son was indeed detained on a gun charge. This is Cory’s first run in with the law, a statement from Peter Gunz below.

The details are still sketchy, but I can confirm that he was arrested with a firearm yesterday in the Bronx. They caught him around 2p.m. in the afternoon with a loaded gun in his knapsack. It was definitely an illegal search.

UPDATE: Looks like Cory’s home, for now.

Read Peter Gunz’ full statement after the jump….

The details are still sketchy, but I can confirm that he was arrested with a firearm yesterday in the Bronx. They caught him around 2p.m. in the afternoon with a loaded gun in his knapsack. It was definitely an illegal search.

I spoke to the arresting officer, and so far, what I’m hearing from him is that they got a phone call at the station saying they should ‘look out’. According to [the officer], they didn’t know he was Cory Gunz. They just saw a bunch of kids following him around. What I will say is that the officer that arrested Cory, actually happened to be a cool dude. After arresting Cory, sitting down with him and talking, he felt bad about the situation.

At the end of the day, there’s a reason for everything, but at the same time, in New York, it’s mandatory jail time. To go to a precinct and see your son, your junior, in handcuffs, it’s heartbreaking. Anytime you see your child in jail, in the cell, in handcuffs, it’s very hard. He’s walked down some of the same paths that I walked down, but you never want to see your kids go through what you went through. This is Cory’s first offense, but sometimes they like to make an example out of rappers and people with any kind of celebrity to them.

Previously: Cory Gunz Feat. Meek Mill – “YMCMB MMG” (Video)

Today, Thursday, January 12th marks the two-year anniversary of the tragic earthquake which devestated the country of Haiti. In commemoration of the day, co-founders of the Yela Haiti Foundation, Wyclef and Jerry Wonda release this 19-minute documentary titled Hours After The Quake: Picking Up The Dead in Search of The Living. Watch the eye-opening and emotional piece above, Sak Pase.

What an awful low point to end 2011 with….Police in Atlanta are still trying to track down the man who shot and killed Bricksquad rapper Slim Dunkin this past Friday. Slim had just recently shot a video with his longtime friend Waka Flocka, Jadakiss and Styles P, and he was featured on Gucci Mane and V-Nasty’s BAYTL EP. But the events leading up to his death are increasingly disturbing.
According to homicide detective, David Quinn:

“The victim, Mario Hamilton, known as Slim Dunkin,….according to witnesses, someone came into this room, struck him and a fight ensued. The information we’re getting, it’s unconfirmed, but witnesses are saying this whole thing started over a piece of candy….“

It’s naive to reduce the entire motive to candy. Obviously, this is about pride, jealousy, possession, posturing in front of others, and so many other machismo elements that cause trivial things to spark unthinkable violence.
But for a piece of candy to be the catalyst for hate like this…in a studio filled with folks who could have stepped in with voices of reason (or how about stepping up in the past 4 days with information?!)….just every thing about this is a disgusting shameful tragedy.

If you know anything helpful, call Atlanta’s crimestoppers 1-404-577-TIPS (8477)

More on the ongoing investigation into Slim Dunkin’s death…
And his public viewing…
After the jump

MTV News reports that there will be a public viewing for Slim Dunkin’s friends, family and fans:
Thursday, December 22
6pm to 9pm
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia

Slim Dunkin (Mario Hamilton), a 24 year old Brick Squad artist, appeared on his friend Waka Flocka’s Flockaveli album, as well as Gucci Mane and Waka’s Ferrari Boyz album and Gucci Mane and V-Nasty’s BAYTL EP. Most recently, he shot a video for the “Lightz On” (Remix) with Waka, Jadakiss and Styles P.

The Associated Press interviewed Atlanta Police Major Keith Meadows:

“It appears the victim was scheduled to do a photo shoot,” Meadows told The Associated Press. “Before the video shoot took place, it appears the victim and suspect got involved in a verbal altercation. We don’t know what that altercation was about.”

“The suspect produced a weapon, discharged that handgun one time, striking the victim in the chest,” Meadows said.

The performer was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Meadows said police have not been able to identify the shooter. He said 13 to 20 people were in the small office-type building at the time of the shooting, which took place around 5:30 p.m. local time, but they were in different places.

The man blamed for Michael Jackson’s death had his final day in court earlier this afternoon. He was sentenced to four year in prison but due to overcrowding Murray will serve his time in LA County jail. Also to his benefit, the doctor could only end up serving less than half of his time. It’s been reported that most sentences differed to LA County jail are cut in half.

Murray’s lawyers gave this statement: “Yes, of course [Judge Pastor] was harsh. He gave the stiffest penalty he was entitled to give under the law,” Murray’s attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, told reporters. “He was openly hostile. … [Murray has] led 56 years of exemplary life. He was really dreading [sentencing]. I think anybody would dread going into it. He’s an honorable man, and he’ll get through this. The family is suffering more than Dr. Murray is. … Dr. Murray is the provider in that family.”

More on Lil Boosie’s drug charges and Loon’s recent heroin case after the jump…

Boosie has been making headlines from jail over the last 2 years. While awaiting trial for various murder charges, the Baton Rouge rapper racked up multiple drug offenses after he was caught trying to smuggle narcotics into prison. Today, Boosie met his fate and was hit with 8 years in jail for his crimes.

“Local TV station WFAB reports that District Judge Mike Erwin passed down the sentence after Boosie admitted that he tried to smuggle drugs into Louisiana’s Dixon Correctional Center and Angola State Penitentiary. Upon hearing his sentence, the 29-year-old rapper requested admittance to a drug rehab program, and while the judge agreed to recommend treatment, he wouldn’t order it. Boosie will receive credit for the time he has already served behind bars.”

He still faces murder charges.

This former Bad Boy rapper also caught a tough break over the holiday weekend. Chauncey Hawkins aka Loon was recently arrested in Brussells over an old Heroin trafficking case from ‘06. The rapper converted to Islam a few years back and was said to be living a new life overseas. Well, it looks like his checkered past finally caught up to him.

He is currently being held in custody in the States.

Common takes us on a journey to Haiti, partnering with the CNN Freedom Project in COMMON DREAMS: A CNN Freedom Project Documentary. The 40-minute piece gives us an in-depth look at exploitation known as “restavek.” During his time in Haiti, Common witnesses this hardened practice first hand and meets children, guardians and a team of dedicated people determined to provide them with a better life following the devistating earthquake last year. Watch the eye-opening experience above.

Pre-order The Dreamer, The Believer on iTunes now.

Props to Yardie/MWP

Previously:
Common – “Celebrate”
Common – “Sweet” (Video)

Family, friends, and members of the hip-hop community came out to say their final wishes to the late Heavy D, who passed away last week. Attendees included: Diddy, Jay-Z, Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Usher, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Johnny Gill, Andre Harrell and more. Rev. Al Sharpton, who was also present, surprised Heavy D ’s daughter Xea Myers with a speech from President Barack Obama which you can read below.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time,” the note from Obama read. “He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

via NY1

View photos of Jay-Z, Diddy, Will Smith, Queen Latifah, Usher, John Legend, MC Lyte and more attending Heavy D’s funeral, after the jump…..

via MTV Rap Fix

Previously:
Rest In Peace: Heavy D’s Funeral Arrangements
Lil Cease Says Heavy D and Biggie Wanted to Record an Album Together
Busta Rhymes – “You Ain’t Gotta Wait Until I’m Gone” (Heavy D Tribute)
Remembering Heavy D: Mr. Cee’s Tribute Mix, Pete Rock on Hot97, and More
Heavy D Passes Away At Age 44, Rest In Peace

The life of the late Dwight Arrington Meyers bka Heavy D, will be celebrated in a private funeral this Friday, November 18th in Mount Vernon, New York. A public viewing will be open to the public for fans to pay their respects on Thursday, Nov. 17th from 12pm-6pm, while a trust fund for the family has also been set up.

via EurWeb

Related: Andre Harrell Heavy D Tribute (Rap Radar) | Heavy D’s Family Remembers Rap Star (AllHipHop)

Full funeral arrangement details after the jump….

Public Viewing for Dwight Myers:
12 (Noon)-6 p.m.
Thursday, November 17, 2011

Private Funeral Service:
11 a.m.
Friday, November 18, 2011

Grace Baptist Church
One Grace Plaza
52 South Sixth Avenue
Mount Vernon, New York 10550
(914) 664-2676 212-381-2037

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund:

C/O JP Morgan Chase
726 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10085

Checks payable to: The Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund

For Wire Donations:

Routing Number – 021000021
Account Number – 3003286568

Heavy D Information Line: 212-381-2037

Previously:
Lil Cease Says Heavy D and Biggie Wanted to Record an Album Together
Busta Rhymes – “You Ain’t Gotta Wait Until I’m Gone” (Heavy D Tribute)
Remembering Heavy D: Mr. Cee’s Tribute Mix, Pete Rock on Hot97, and More
Heavy D Passes Away At Age 44, Rest In Peace