Rumors of an Amy Winehouse tribute can now be silenced as MTV News has confirmed this Sunday’s Video Music Awards showing will indeed include a tribute to the late British soul singer.  While the rumor mill had previously mentioned names like Christina Aguilera and Adele as performers set to honor the ‘Back To Black’ singer, MTV confirmed today that the tribute will be introduced by legendary jazz singer Tony Bennett.

Via MTVNews:

“…Tony Bennett will pay tribute to the legacy of late Video Music Awards nominee Winehouse during a very special segment at the 2011 VMAs.  Bennett, whose last VMA appearance was in 1993, will introduce the tribute, which includes footage of him recording “Body and Soul” with Winehouse this past March at Abbey Road Studios in London.”

Set to be released on September 14th (Amy’s 28th birthday), all proceeds from ‘Body and Soul’ will go to a children’s charity named in honor of the singer.

Fans can tune into MTV on August 28th to see what other stars will take part in the tribute.

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Appears another Carter is making headlines for the announcement of a forthcoming single as it has been revealed that hip-hop heavyweight Jay-Z and partner-in-crime Kanye West have unveiled the next single from their joint project ‘Watch the Throne’.

While previous reports indicated that ‘Lift Off feat. Beyonce’ was set to impact radio today as the album’s next single, there’s been a change of plans.

Find out what tunes you’ll soon be hearing from your radios after the jump:

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As previously reported, MTV introduced performance polls this year to honor its past best performances.  With categories like ‘Most Iconic VMA Performance’, ‘Best Pop Performance’, etc., the polls were met with mixed reviews due to the absence and/or under-representation of some of music’s most praised acts (in certain categories).

Though originally said to be announced in the moments leading into the awards’ 28th annual showing on Sunday, MTV is ready to whet a few appetites by unveiling what fans voted as the ‘Best VMA Performance Ever’.

Who did fans vote into the top spot?  Find out after the jump:

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Singer/songwriter Lauryn Hill has teamed with Reebok Classics to reflect on a classic of her own – ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’.  Hailed by fans and critics alike as one of the greatest R&B/Hip-Hop albums of all time, the ‘Everything Is Everything’ songstress spoke on exactly that in reference to the album’s conception, commercial response, and more.

Find out what else Hill touched on after the jump:

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Rapstress Khia may brag about her skills over 16 bars, but now the ‘My Neck, My Back’ performer has found herself back behind another set of bars.  For, as has been making its rounds around the blog-0-sphere, the Philly native was arrested for “concealing/endangering property-secured interest” (aka evading repossession of a good).

While the unnamed good is believed to be an automobile, the jokes pretty much write themselves here.  Whatever it was, it’s pretty safe to say the ‘Snatch the Cat Back’ rapper got something snatched this weekend.  Unfortunately, it was not that wig.

(source)

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Beyonce‘s ‘4’ may have been hampered by than less than stellar handling initially, however the 29 year old has staged quite the remarkable bounce-back.

Indeed, the project -which has divided public opinion – has been a staple in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 – a trend Ms. Knowles-Carter will hope is helped by its latest confirmed single.

Find out what ‘4’ will be serving up next after the jump…

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Famed R&B vocal less vocalist Trey Songz spoke with The Source about his forthcoming fifth studio release ‘Chapter 5’ , citing the work as ‘the best me you’ve ever heard’.  The album, which will act as the follow-up to Songz’ 4th album ‘Passion, Pain, & Pleasure’, is said to be nearing completion.

The ‘Say Aah’ singer also had this to say (via The Source):

“… it’s my sixth year in the game so I’ve been here for a while now. You can expect the best me you’ve ever heard. I don’t have any release dates in mind right now but I’m just making music and enjoying myself in the studio and having fun. When I get to a place where I feel comfortable saying a date or all of that, people will definitely know. I have a few dream collaborations on that album that I want, but they say if you blow out your candle and make a wish you can’t tell people what you ask for or it won’t come true.”

Your thoughts?

Kreayshawn was one of many stars in attendance for this past weekend’s Summer Jam.  Though the freestyle failure ‘Glam Rap’ starlet has been building a buzz with fans and critics alike, the ‘Gucci Gucci’ rapstress has also been under fire for remarks she’s made about fellow hip hop stars Rick Ross, rumors she was dating Da Brat, and more.  In a brief interview, the up-and-comer took time to address the aforementioned as well as (affectionately) mention fellow female rapper Nicki Minaj.

Hear her after the jump:

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The showbiz arena was rocked earlier today when reports of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett divorcing begun to permeate the media scape.

However, in news that will no doubt appease their legion of supporters, the power couple have released a statement addressing the matter.

Their comments after the jump…

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Peep the 305’s very own Trina, heating it up for VIBE in a recent shoot for the publication.

Flaunting a number of looks for the magazine’s ‘Summer Of Celebs In Swim Wear’ series, the ‘5 Star Chick‘ lyricist was shot by photographer Presscott Mcdonald.

More images below, courtesy of Necole Bitchie…

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Amy Winehouse‘s rockstar lifestyle left many saddened, yet unsurprised by her tragic passing last month. Indeed, the vast majority assumed her untimely demise was due to drug abuse.

However, toxicology reports released today confirm illegal drugs did not play a role in the 27 year old’s death.

Full story below…

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