He may be a social pariah everywhere else -- but when Kanye West made a surprise appearance at Common's benefit concert last night in Hollywood, he got a hero's welcome.
The crowd at the show -- which featured Common, Nas, Ludacris, De La Soul, The Roots, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and more -- just exploded when Kanye rushed out on stage. He stayed for a few songs -- including "Good Life" and "Run This Town" -- and had the crowd going nuts the whole time.
Ajile Turner, the cousin of rapper Common, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Brooklyn last night.
Sources tell us it happened on the corner of Greene Ave. and Washington Ave. We're told cops responded to a call involving a motorcyclist colliding with a guy on a bicycle -- Turner was on the motorcycle. Both men were taken to Brooklyn Hospital and both were pronounced dead on arrival.
We're told there is no criminality suspected in the incident.
DJ JS-1, a long-time friend of Turner, confirmed his passing and told us, "He was one of the greatest friends anyone could have, he was a pure, honest, good person, hard worker who traveled the world and lived a great life. We all love him and are going to miss him very much."
Turner was founder and CEO of the Echelon Group, an independent concert production company in NYC.
The guys who sued Common this week for copyright infringement are now taking aim at Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Akon -- accusing them of ripping off the exact same song!
In a lawsuit filed the day after Common's, Songster, LLC -- which owns the rights to the song "When Will the Day Come" --claims Bone, Akon and producerSwizz Beatzjacked their music for the collaboration "I Tried."
Songster is seeking unspecified damages-- no word on who they'll sue next.
Rapper Common is a self-proclaimed thief ... a dude who busts himself when he steals -- this, according to a pair of songwriters.
Andrew Marks and London McDaniels filed a lawsuit yesterday, claiming Common stole their song "When Will The Day Come" in his tune "Take it EZ."
But here's the twist: Common gives Marks and McDaniels this credit on the downloadable version of his song: "Contains samples from: When Will The Day Come.'"
Here's the problem: The credit don't pay the rent. So Marks and McDaniels are suing for unspecified damages.
Sure, Common's a talented artist -- but he was unbelievably awkward when two of the happiest gayest songs in history were played at a party he was emceeing.
Fred Savage and his lovely wife were pap targets outside STK this weekend -- but got a reality check when photogs started saving their film for the Beckhams, who were also inside.
Also in L.A.: Kate Beckinsale lookin' red hot at STK, Tyra blowing us off, Sly Stallone and his Rambotoxed mug, and Common -- who although rumored to be dating Serena Williams, was asked about Venus.
In NY: 'Memba Her hottie Tina Louise, a scruffy Scott Speedman and Glenn Close, who had no idea what a Lauren Conrad was.
Sporting some flawless make-up, big hair and killer stems, Gwen Stefani was looking superb outside the Waverly Inn in NYC, no Gavin or Kingston James in sight.
Also in New York: Laid back hip hop star Common, a deja vu feelin' Gayle King, and John Leguizamo, who got a little shout-out from a fan outside the Waverly.
In L.A.: Jermaine Dupri, chicken dancer Bai Ling and Mr. Chow himself were spotted at his Beverly Hills eatery. Brody Jenner and David Beckham opted for Japanese at Koi and a camera-shy Elisha Cuthbert hit up Hyde.
All this and more in today's "Wind it Up Already" edition of Star Catcher.
T.I.'s fellow rappers -- and co-stars in the upcoming movie, "American Gangster" -- are speaking out about his recent legal issues and urging the fallen star to keep his head up. It's not like his boys would throw him under the bus! Common, who plays T.I.'s dad in the film, tells AOL Black Voices that T.I. should continue to pray, saying, "Know that God is with [you]. Know that He knows what the truth is and the truth is going to allow [you] to get out and be alright." Unless, of course, the truth is T.I. did it -- because then he's screwed.
Wu Tang Clan co-founder RZA also had an opinion, saying, "One of my security guards said, 'Don't you ever buy a gun, because you can afford all the security." Perhaps RZA should have given T.I. that advice sooner -- or at least given him his security guard!
Rap Mogul/serial baby daddy Sean "P. Diddy" Combs got into yet another confrontation yesterday -- this time, allegedly over a woman. According to sources, Combs was partying at NYC club Kiosk when he got into an argument with another partygoer, Steven Acevedo.
According to Page Six, the two exchanged words, and then His Diddyness allegedly hit Acevedo in the face while screaming, "I'll kill you, punk."
Acevedo ended up with a bloody nose and a fat lip. He reportedly ran home and called 911 to file a police report, but later declined to comment.
Diddy has not been arrested or charged. The NYPD had no information on the incident.
T.I. Wins Two Awards Amid Controversy
He was busted for buying guns yesterday, but that didn't stop allegedly gun-crazy rapper T.I. from winning two awards at BET Hip Hop Awards last night. The troubled southern rapper was up for nine awards, and even though he didn't strut the red carpet, he was in attendance for last night's show.
News of T.I.'s gun drama rippled through the awards show. Said rapper KRS-One, "I'm saddened any time I hear of a hip-hopper being locked up or somehow being stunted in his life or his growth. I hope he wasn't into nothing crazy."
Common, who won CD of the year along with T.I. -- dedicated his win to T.I. "I salute my guy T.I., who also won, wherever he is," he said.
Country Singer Joe Nichols Enters Rehab
Just one month after he married his girlfriend of twelve years, Heather Singleton, country crooner Joe Nichols has entered rehab. Nichols, who is best known for his hit song "Another Side of You," entered a program to deal with unspecified substance abuse problems.
"As Joe has alluded to in interviews over the past year, he has struggled with the issue of substance abuse. In order to be a healthier person and deal with longstanding issues, he has entered into a rehabilitation program for consultation and treatment," said Nichols management on his website.
Rappers trying to increase their street cred are turning to the OG himself to raise their rep. Who is this king of the streets? None other than ... Jeremy Piven? Huh?
Hit rapper Common called upon his "Smokin' Aces" co-star to do a cameo in his new video, "Drivin' Me Wild," with British pop tart Lily Allen. One might think that this is a high-concept video that might require the talents of a thespian like Piven ... um, no. The Pivenator just stands there, bobbing his head and waving his finger at the camera.
Cabana in Hollywood was safe from world destruction as cast members from "Heroes" made an appearance. Masi Oka showed autograph seekers some love. Save the fans, save your show! Also on the scene being friendly to folks was co-star Adrian Pasdar and his Dixie Chick wife, Natalie Maines, giving out free hugs.
Tyrese was spotted as he was solicited by some old dude to go for a ride. Hitchhiking can be bad for your health! And a so-handsome-you-wanna-slap-your-mama rapper, Common, was seen at a Target event at One Sunset along with Kanye West and "Reno 911's" slimmed down Niecy Nash. Get em' girl!
All this and more in today's "you look much thinnah" edition of star catcher!
Our first stop was the gala opening of Rocpopshop, the Midtown Manhattan retail outlet of one of rap's true moguls -- Jay-Z -- where we ran into the proprietor himself. The self-proclaimed "CEO of Hip-Hop" arrived in true blinged-out fashion and stopped by the red carpet for the paparazzi, while showing off his fashion line.
Harvey Levin You're not the only one who thinks T.O. isn't doing that well this season... http://su.pr/5bNNfP
Tila Tequila Ok im on phone with OK! Magazine Editor now! Imma give the #TilaArmy a Shoutout & Promote our charities! YAY! Love my #TilaArmy Fam! xox
Tila Tequila hey @cocktailvh1 the editor frm OK! Magazine just called me and wants to do a story..do u wanna be in it? Oh wait..ur a hater. Nevermind LOL
Tila Tequila OMG what a coincidence! The main Editor from OK! Magazine just called me! Woohoo! Im gonna have him do a story about #TilaArmy & Charity!
Tila Tequila #TilaArmy GO HARD OR GO HOME! We are WARRIORS in this world to help each other, inspire, & back each other up from BULLIES! #TILARMY4LIFE
Common has broken his silence about his cousin's tragic death last week -- thanking everyone for their support during the 'tough time.'
Ajile Turner, the cousin of rapper Common, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Brooklyn last night. 
Rapper Common is a self-proclaimed thief ... a dude who busts himself when he steals -- this, according to a pair of songwriters.
Rap Mogul/serial baby daddy Sean "P. Diddy" Combs got into yet another confrontation yesterday -- this time, allegedly over a woman. According to sources, Combs was partying at NYC club Kiosk when he got into an argument with another partygoer, Steven Acevedo. 
He was busted for buying guns yesterday, but that didn't stop allegedly gun-crazy rapper T.I. from winning two awards at BET Hip Hop Awards last night. The troubled southern rapper was up for nine awards, and even though he didn't strut the red carpet, he was in attendance for last night's show. 
Just one month after he married his girlfriend of twelve years, Heather Singleton, country crooner Joe Nichols has entered rehab. Nichols, who is best known for his hit song "Another Side of You," entered a program to deal with unspecified substance abuse problems. 
