News Flash: Mario Dances With Stars

R&B singer Mario has joined the cast of ABC's monster hit show, "Dancing With The Stars". It is a move that has already sent shockwaves through the music community. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Mario's new album, "Go" isn't exactly "Go-ing" out of the stores but rather collecting a lot of dust. As brilliant as the album is the majority of songs leaked out years ago; yes...years ago. Mario does have a hit single out right now with "Crying Out For Me" which makes this move to "DWTS" even more surprising. 2 years ago Fantasia shocked everyone when it was announced that she joined the Broadway production of "The Color Purple" shortly after the release of her 2006, "Fantasia" album. Her rigorous schedule with "TCP" made it impossible for her to promote her album. Luckily for Fantasia her album went gold, spawned a hit single, and got 3 Grammy nominations. Not bad!

R&B singer Tank was arrested on February 18 while leaving the popular House of Blues in New Orleans with friend, Ira DeWitt in tow. Tank and DeWitt were on their way to meet their driver when stopped by cops. The cops denied the two to walk down a certain area of the street where the driver was awaiting them. When Tank asked the cops "Why you gotta be that way?" they threw him to the ground and tasered him. According to DeWitt she was warned if she helped him, she'd be arrested. Tank was taken to the nearby hospital and treated for his injuries which included a bloody back. DeWitt posted bail and it was revealed that Tank was arrested for intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Poor Tank!

The video for the new Kanye West single, "Flashing Lights" is the official version which clocks in at just under 3 minutes. The shocking video was labeled by many a teaser since the video ends in the middle of the song. West was said to be dissatisfied with two prior versions of the video before finally resting with the one we see today. Co-star playmate Rita G said the video "was meant to go over people's head" and she was right; it has! Kudos for Kanye for always having people talking. You ever hear the saying "don't worry when people talk about you, worry when they stop." This saying couldn't apply more to someone like Kanye.

Singer/songwriter Keri Hilson known for writing for Britney Spears ("Gimme More"), Ludacris ("Pimpin All Over The World"), and Chris Brown ("Young Love") will be releasing her solo debut, "In A Perfect World" this May. Expect collaborations and production by Timbaland and Polow Da Don. Most recently Hilson could be heard on Timbaland's hit single, "The Way I Are". There is a huge buzz for Keri online! Hopefully all the buzz will translate into a successful solo career for the blossoming singer/songwriter.

Rapper Busta Rhymes has titled his next album, "Back On My Bullshit". The album boasts collaborations and production from Pharrell (who came up with the title track), Danja, Dr. Dre, and Timbaland. Busta's last album, 2006's "The Big Bang" had a big buzz but fizzled out quicker than afirecracker.

Rapper Eminem will release a tell-all book titled, "Eminem: The Way I Am" on October 16. The book will feature never before seen photographs, drawings, lyrics, and details of Eminem's life. Have we seen and heard this all before? Does "8 Mile" ring a bell?

Pop/Punk princess singer Pink and her husband, Carey Hart have separated. The couple was married 2 years ago in Costa Rica. Despite their impending divorce, the couple are still friends. 2 years is not a long time but it is an eternity in Hollywood.

R&B crooners J. Holiday & Trey Songz are taking their acts on the road in a joint tour. Click here to check out the dates and see if J and Trey are coming to or near your town.