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*DMX’s new album "Year of the Dog ... Again" entered the Billboard 200 album chart this week at No. 2, ending a streak of five No. 1 debuts for the artist. The Sony Urban release sold 126,000 copies, not enough to dethrone the compilation album “Now 22” at No. 1, but enough to claim the top spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums tally for a sixth time. However, this is the lowest opening week sales tally of DMX's career.
*Former Da Band member Young City, a.k.a. Chopper from MTV’s “Making the Band 2,” was arrested on July 31 after being pulled over for speeding. The rapper, whose real name is Rodney Hill, was detained after authorities discovered that he had an outstanding warrant in Baltimore on an armed robbery charge. According to his spokesperson, Hill is being held without bond in a Gwinnett County, Georgia jail while he awaits extradition to Maryland.
*OutKast member Big Boi is reportedly seeking the production talents of British artist Kate Bush for his upcoming solo album. "She actually emailed me. I want her to produce two or three songs on my solo record,” the rapper, born Antwan Patton, was quoted as saying by Contact Music. "She said, 'Whenever you come to England, you can come stay with me and camp out and we can make it happen.'" Famous for her idiosyncratic literary lyrics, and meticulous musical and production style, Bush debuted in 1978 with the hit single "Wuthering Heights."
*India.Arie's new album, “Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship,” has been certified gold with sales of over 500,000 units in the U.S. Her new single, a cover of the Don Henley classic "Heart of the Matter," ships to radio this week. The artist will also head to Europe this month before launching a national tour in the U.S. beginning in late September. As a U.S. Ambassador for UNICEF, she will embark on another goodwill trip to Africa in the fall.