If you're not already fully aware of the Cool Genius that is Tom Waits...

• RUN TINGS puts you on notice. -and this is a Triple-Shot:
• Tom Waits is Cool, Rockabilly is Cool, therefore, Tom Waits Rockabilly is Super-Cool.
• A Tom Waits Rockabilly Video (in B&W to boot) is just Stupid!!!

From the forthcoming Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards 3-Disc Set of Unreleased Dope we present to you: "Lie to Me"

Gerald Levert, successful solo R&B Vocalist, member of the group LSG with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, and 40 Year Old son of Eddie Levert, Lead Singer of the O'Jays has passed away suddenly today, a result of a heart attack.

The Family has issued the following statement:

"We are overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of love, condolences and support from the many friends, fans and admirers of Gerald's life and legacy. As everybody knows, Gerald was a man who loved and breathed music. To his family and friends he was a man of strong character, who had an infectious personality and a zest for life. For his fans, his greatest love was touching the hearts and souls of all people through his music. At this very difficult time, we thank you for your prayers and hope you will understand our need for privacy."

The singer was working on a reality show focused on his weight loss as he trained alongside 12 of his female fans for 30 days.

Among the last recordings made by Gerald is a track for the upcoming Styles P album, Time is Money.

At a recent listening party for his new album "Hip-Hop is Dead... The N" Nas had the following to say on the album title and the general state of the game:

"Hiphop is Dead because We Killed It. -Everybody in here is Responsible... Everybody in here has the Power to make this shit go to the Future, and Beyond... The Rap Game is Stale; That's just my Personal Opinion and I made this move to Show Leadership in the Rap Game man 'cause the (cats) that have Leadership Positions are Talkin' about who's Ring is Bigger and all that Bullshit... and they makin' snitches look good and shit like that... I come from a fabric that wasn't like that. -I used to see it different when I was comin' up. I've been Blesed to do this rap shit for a long time... and I love this shit. -I love it to death, but I got a Love/Hate Relationship with Hip-Hop Music right now."

Tracklisting as of Listening Party: (will almost definitely change) 

1. "OB True G" (featuring The Game) (Produced by Dr. Dre)
2. “Won’t Go Back”
3. “You Mean the World to Me”
4. “Play On Playa” (featuring Snoop Dogg) (Produced by Scott Storch)
5. “Where Are They Now?” (Produced by Nas)
6. “Carry On Tradition” (Produced by Scott Storch)
7. “Hip-Hop Is Dead” (Produced by will.i.am)
8. “Still Dreamin’” (featuring Kanye West) (Produced by Kanye West)
9. “Blunt Ashes” (Produced by Chris Webber)
10. “Let There Be Light”
11. “Unforgettable” (featuring Chrisette Michele) (Produced by will.i.am])

(Take note of the presence of NBA Star Chris Webber among producer credits.)

The Will.I.Am-Produced Title Track is FIRE.

Going into 2007, this is one of three or four albums which should shake up Hiphop. Be Ready.

Adio and Southshore Distribution's 10th Annual Texas Skate Jam Presented by Zumiez Raises Over $83,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation