Atlantic drops Lil Kim

Lil Kim has reportedly been released from her contract with Atlantic Records. In a recent article, BillAtboard.com cites her comments during an appearance on DJ Kay Slay’s Shade45 radio show “Streetsweeper Radio” as confirmation of the split. During the interview, Kim noted that she harbors no ill feelings towards the label but is eager to release her next album independently. The diminutive Brooklyn MC is rumored to be in negotiations with Imperial Records, the independent division of Capitol Music Group that Fat Joe is currently signed to. While Billboard was unable to confirm the move with any of Kim’s representatives, she did state that she feels prepared to work her next project without the backing of a major label. Her last full length project was 2005’s The Naked Truth, which has scanned 394,000 copies to date according to Nielsen Soundscan. Her as-of-yet untitled new album is now scheduled for release in April or May. [Article from XXlmag.com]

Usher Father Passes

R&B singer, Ushers father, Usher Raymond III passed away last Friday at an Atlanta hospital for reasons unreleased at this time, according to People. Funeral arrangements have been made to take place this week in Chattanooga, TN. Usher recently became a father himself and it was his wish to have a son to carry out the family as his father did, making his new born son, Usher Raymond V.