Reuters - As a string of high-profile hip-hop artists near the end of their record contracts, a question looming over their pending free agency isn't which major label they'll sign with but whether they should sign with a major.

Reuters - In 1976, Mick Jones found himself out of a job.

AP - LOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears is back in Los Angeles, and it didn't take long for trouble to find her.

E! Online - Has Chinese Democracy finally broken out all over the world?

E! Online - UPDATE: Speaking to E! News Friday, a rep for the singer denies reports that Amy Winehouse has a life-threatening ailment.

AP - They don't have recording contracts and don't make concert tours. You've probably never heard of them.

Reuters - Rock band Staind will release its first album in three years on August 19, and has lined up opening slots for tours headlined by 3 Doors Down and Nickelback.

Reuters - A couple of new rules governing the Academy Awards could result in the foreign-language film category becoming more inclusive and the original song category becoming more competitive.

Reuters - The late Luciano Pavarotti did it at Italia 90 with Puccini's Nessun Dorma, The Lightning Seeds triumphed at Euro 96 in England with Three Lions and The White Stripes are number one among fans at Euro 2008 with Seven Nation Army.

Reuters - Live Nation Chairman Michael Cohl may be preparing to resign from the concert promoter after an internal battle, according to reports.

AP - Michael Stipe thinks the music video is a "dead medium" — but the R.E.M. singer still wants the band's songs to be accompanied by some kind of visuals.

E! Online - Coldplay got some heavy play on the charts.

E! Online - Look what the cat dragged into court.