May 04, 2006 4:21 PM

T.I., Chili Peppers, Paul Wall and More

Officials have named twenty-six-year-old Philant Johnson, T.I.'s personal assistant, as the victim in the shootout early Wednesday morning that also left three other members of the Atlanta rapper's entourage injured. Witnesses said the fight began at an after-party for T.I. and his protege YUNG JOC at Club Ritz and quickly spilled out into the streets and continued down Interstate 75. T.I. -- whose latest LP, King, was recently certified platinum -- has put his nationwide tour on hold.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Leaked

The RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS discovered this week that their long-awaited double-disc album, Stadium Arcadium, has been leaked over the Internet -- and bassist FLEA is not happy about it. In an open letter in "Fleamail," his journal on the band's Web site, he wrote in response to the leak, "We worked for a year and a half to make the epic record of our lives ... I think it is a fair deal for everyone and for people to just steal a poor sound quality version of it for free because some asshole stole it and put it on the Internet is sad to me." After the Chili Peppers' headlining Lollapalooza date on August 5th in Chicago, the funk-rockers will embark on their North American tour, beginning August 11th in Portland, Oregon.

Paul Wall Gets His Own Pilot

The latest entry in VH1's self-stylized Celebreality format is an unscripted series featuring Houston rapper PAUL WALL. A pilot is officially in the works. Wall is also currently working on the follow-up to his major-label debut, 2005's chart-topper The People's Champ. His second effort is due by the end of the year.

98 Degrees Singer Arrested for DWI

Former 98 DEGREES singer JEFF TIMMONS was arrested on April 23rd for drunken driving and driving with an expired California license. The boy band -- which included NICK and DREW LACHEY and JUSTIN JEFFRE -- last performed together in 2005 at a campaign fundraiser for Jeffre, back when he was running for mayor of Cincinnati.

Roc La Familia Dishes Out Fresh Reggaeton

The very mention of "world music" is enough to scare away many listeners, but Def Jam plans to remove that scarlet letter with its new imprint Roc La Familia. Hot reggaeton artist HECTOR "EL FATHER" BAMBINO will be the label's first release, on June 20th, dubbed Los Rompe Discotekas. In true crossover fashion, the album features guests from both reggaeton (DON OMAR, WISIN Y YANDEL, ALEXIS Y FIDO) and rap (JAY-Z, MEMPHIS BLEEK, FREEWAY, FAT JOE). Formed in July 2005, Roc La Familia plans on following Bambino's record with reggae, calypso and West Indian releases.

Janet Jackson Gives a "Gift" to Fans

In an effort to thank fans -- and spark interest in her upcoming album, 20 Years Old -- JANET JACKSON has posted the new song "Weekend" on her Web site, janetjackson.com. Enjoy it while it lasts, as Jackson says the song is simply "something extra for the fans." Her next single is actually "Call on Me," which will hit radio on July 19th. A tour is expected along with the JERMAINE DUPRI-produced album later this year.

Another Day, Another Festival Announcement

Folks in Cincinnati rejoice: the inaugural Desdemona Music Festival is set to drop in Sawyer Point Waterfront Park on June 23rd through the 25th. The indie-centric lineup features more than twenty-five artists, including the WALKMEN, the STILLS, ANNIE and RADIO 4. Expect additions in the coming days.

Thursday Plays Free Show Wednesday

A hometown hero show by THURSDAY tonight is the latest installment in MySpace's free concert series. Fans of the arty and angular Jersey boys are encouraged to arrive early to the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, as the free first-come, first-served show is likely no longer a secret. PAULSON opens.

Radiohead, GN'R Bring Out Young'uns

Some mothers have a damn good reason to be proud right now. GUNS N' ROSES have named the young noir-core band BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE as the opener for their four sold-out New York City shows at Hammerstein Ballroom on May 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th . . . As for twenty-one-year-old WILLY MASON, he's the latest act added to RADIOHEAD's upcoming tour, beginning with dates in Denmark and ending in Toronto, Ontario. Mason's hearty slice of Americana, Where the Humans Eat, is out now.

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