DRAKE's representative has fired back at what sources are calling a "frivolous lawsuit" over a phone chat recording in the rapper's hit song MARVIN'S ROOM.   READ MORE...

  DRAKE's representative has fired back at what sources are calling a "frivolous lawsuit" over a phone chat recording in the rapper's hit song MARVIN'S ROOM.
  Ericka Lee, who claims to be Drake's ex-girlfriend, is suing the hitmaker for cash she insists she is owed for allowing the hip-hop star to use her voice on the record.
  She claims it was her voice on the other end of the phone call in the heartbreak hit, and now she wants the hip-hop heart-throb to pay up.
  Filing suit in Los Angeles on Thursday (02Feb12), Lee alleges she was asked to record the song's hook and its famous opening monologue, but the hitmaker simply listed her as Syren Lyric Muse.
  Drake's spokeswoman has now responded, insisting the claim is "entirely without merit", adding, "Our client has not engaged in any wrongful conduct."
  The rep continues, "Ericka Lee consented to the use of her voice in the song Marvin’s Room prior to its release. Lee asked only for the credit she received as Syren Lyric Muse, and she did not ask for any compensation. It was only after she retained a lawyer that there was a demand for payment.
  "Drake tried for months to resolve the matter amicably, and he now looks forward to being vindicated in court." (KL/WN/LR) HIDE STORY

SHARON OSBOURNE has been sued by bosses of a design company who have accused the rock matriarch of breaching a jewellery deal by pulling out at the last minute.   READ MORE...

  SHARON OSBOURNE has been sued by bosses of a design company who have accused the rock matriarch of breaching a jewellery deal by pulling out at the last minute.
  Lucas Design International executives claim they were approached by Ozzy Osbourne's wife last year (11) to create a range of products for her to sell on the Home Shopping Network.
  Lucas chiefs are seeking unspecified damages from the TV personality, alleging she unlawfully backed out of the oral agreement, but a spokesperson for Osbourne insists the lawsuit is without merit.
  Osbourne's representative tells TMZ.com, "Sharon Osbourne did not breach any oral contract with Lucas Design because no agreement existed.
  "Sharon is looking to create her own jewellery line and did have discussions with Lucas Design. Unfortunately the designs and pieces submitted were not the quality that was represented or hoped for. Sharon has moved on." (PAW/WNWCZM/LR) HIDE STORY

Cult rockers BON IVER turned down the chance to perform at the 2012 Grammy Awards after organisers demanded the band team up with a more well-known act.   READ MORE...

  Cult rockers BON IVER turned down the chance to perform at the 2012 Grammy Awards after organisers demanded the band team up with a more well-known act.
  The Blood Bank hitmakers, who are nominated for four Grammys this year (12), were told they would have to agree to a collaboration if they wanted to play at music's most prestigious prizegiving.
  Frontman Justin Vernon tells Billboard.com, "We wanted to play our music, but were told that we couldn't play. We had to do a collaboration with someone else. And we just felt like it was such a large stage - we're getting nominated for this record that we made... We were given accolades for it, and all of a sudden we were being asked to play music that had nothing to do with that. We kind of said 'f**k you' a little bit, and they sort of acted like they wanted us to play, but I don't think they wanted us to play."
  Vernon, who has previously recorded with Kanye West, admits the potential collaborators put forward were "awesome people" but he turned down the offer on principle.
  He adds, "(The suggested collaborators were) awesome people. People that I would love to play a song with. But you know what? F**kin' rock 'n' roll should not be decided by people that have that job. Rock 'n' roll should be the f**king people with guitars around their backs. And their friends. And their managers." (PAW/WNWCBB/LR) HIDE STORY

LIL' KIM's financial woes appear to have taken a turn for the worse amid allegations the rapper has racked up more than $1 million (£625,000) in unpaid taxes.   READ MORE...

  LIL' KIM's financial woes appear to have taken a turn for the worse amid allegations the rapper has racked up more than $1 million (£625,000) in unpaid taxes.
  The Lady Marmalade hitmaker, real name Kimberly Jones, has been hit with a new $8,6348 (£5,3967) tax demand from U.S. authorities.
  The bill takes Jones' total debt owed from 2002 to 2009 up to $1,026,862 (£641,788), according to TMZ.com.
  It was previously reported that the hip-hop star owes thousands in unpaid taxes to three different states - California, New York and New Jersey. (PAW/WNWCZM/LR) HIDE STORY

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  "I've never been one 2 (sic) brag but I just had dinner with none other than Ringo Starr & Dave Stewart. I'm just saying. I'll sleep smiling 2nite (sic)." KINGS OF LEON star NATHAN FOLLOWILL enjoyed an evening out with a pair of rock legends on Friday (03Feb12). (PAW/WNTWT/LR) HIDE STORY