US rapper Kanye West has spoken about how the recent death of his mother has affected his life. In a message on his blog, West, who is currently in Japan, revealed that he has only just been able to record his “first verse”. Read more >>

Vanilla Ice has been arrested in America in connection with an allegation that he beat his wife. It’s reported that Ice’s wife, Laura Van Winkle, called police in Florida claiming that the former pop star was kicking and hitting her at their Palm Beach County home. Read more >>

Albert Hammond Junior has confirmed that work has been completed on his second solo album. The record, entitled ‘Como Te Llama’, is expected in June, although no official release date has been confirmed. Read more >>

Welsh songstress Duffy has hit back at claims made by Estelle that suggested the British music industry isn’t willing to market black soul singers. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Duffy said that “if the talent and the desire is there, I don’t really think it matters what colour you are." Read more >>

Calexico have been announced as the Sunday headliners for the End of the Road festival in Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset. The Tucson, Arizona outfit join the already confirmed British Sea Power, Two Gallants and Mercury Rev on the bill for the three day festival. Read more >>

Robbie Williams is to recall his close alien encounters – perhaps with Gary Barlow – on a special Radio 4 documentary next month. Williams will co-host the programme, which was recorded in his adopted home of Los Angeles earlier this year, alongside Jon Ronson. Read more >>

US rapper 50 Cent has been sued for promoting the “gangsta lifestyle” by a teenage boy who claims friends of the rapper assaulted him. A lawsuit filed on Wednesday said that the rapper, along with Universal Music Group, should take responsibility for the attack because they "promoted, marketed and advertised" such violence. Read more >>

US rapper Eminem will make his live return in London’s Hyde Park this summer, according to reports in the Sun. The rapper is expected to be one of the biggest acts at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations on June 27th. Read more >>

Portishead battled through early technical difficulties to triumph at their London gig last night. The Bristol band were three songs into their set at the Hammersmith Apollo when they were forced to leave the stage. Read more >>

Coldplay have unveiled the tracklisting for their new album ‘Viva La Vida’. The 10-track album, which is the follow-up to 2005’s ‘X&Y’, is released on June 16th. Read more >>