MUSIC NEWS FOR MOMS & TOTS
Debbie Mathers, Eminem's mom, has released a hip-hop single as an open letter to her son. The song can be accessed on MarshallsMom.com. On "Set The Record Straight," recorded with Missouri rap duo ID-X, Momma Mathers doesn't show disrespect for her son, instead saying that she still loves lil' Marshall and knows that "someday you're gonna fall, and I just hope to God I'm there to help you." She leaves the zingers to ID-X, who weigh in with choice rhymes like this one, "Dissin' these other artists like a crazed lunatic/Bein' praised by all these people for simply bein' a prick." Eminem has yet to respond to the aural attack, as his feud with Everlast and everyone else who has ever said anything bad about him takes up so much of his time.
BRITNEY BESTSELLER?
The literary Spears are at it again. Pop tart Britney and her mother Lynne are working on another book. Earlier this year, Spears and her mother put out Britney Spears: Heart To Heart. According to the pop tart's official Web site, their new novel, which will be published by Random House's Delacorte Press in May 2001, is: "A fictional book about a mother and daughter. The book is about the struggles they face being poor and living in an affluent world." In a recent interview, Spears explained, "Obviously we'll have to do some research into the ‘poor' part."
TUNING OUT
Legendary song-and-dance man Tommy Tune is ending his two-year stint with the Las Vegas production "EFX." The nine-time Tony Award-winner will take his final bow at the MGM Grand on Jan. 13. Tune took over for David Cassidy, who left the production in January 1999. The role of Ringleader of the $75 million production was originated by former "Phantom Of The Opera" star Michael Crawford, who was perceived as "too highbrow" for the mostly tourist audience. Eighties rocker Rick Springfield is reportedly targeted to take over the role. Producers of the show are leaning toward Springfield, because they claim the show needs a human touch.
STRINGS ATTACHED
Pop band NSYNC, music advertising unit MusicVision and Microsoft's MSN have partnered to create an Internet service provider targeted at fans of the Jive Records band, those involved announced Tuesday (11/28) at press conference. For $21.95 a month starting Dec. 1, NSYNC@MSN subscribers will get an ISP, which includes exclusive newsletters, photos and video footage of the group. No confirmation that the band will re-release its "Bye Bye Bye" smash single as "Buy Buy Buy" as part of the promotion.
ROSAS CASE CLOSED
The remains of a woman found buried in a rural canyon have been identified as those of Sandra Rosas, the wife of Los Lobos' Cesar Rosas. Dental records were used to identify the remains Monday (11/27), the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said. Sandra Rosas' killer and half brother, Gabriel Gomez led authorities last week to the shallow grave. Though no body was found at the time, Gomez was convicted of first-degree murder last month after DNA evidence linked traces of blood found in the victim's abandoned van to both him and her. After he was sentenced to life in prison without parole, Gomez agreed to lead investigators to the remains.
