AP - MTV is staking its brand on a lesser-known one: Russell Brand.

Reuters - Two former members of the Smashing Pumpkins sued Virgin Records on Thursday, saying the label shut them out of profits after signing a deal with the rock band's frontman Billy Corgan.

Reuters - Chart-topping rapper DMX pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony theft charges in a Phoenix court on Thursday, and then treated reporters to an impromptu rap about bouncing back from adversity.

AP - A New York publisher is suing Foxy Brown and Lil' Kim, saying they were paid advances for books they never delivered.

Reuters - France's first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, shot to the top of the pop charts with her latest album in its first full week on sale, a music industry body reported.

AP - NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country singer Chris Cagle has been found not guilty of domestic violence after his girlfriend refused to testify against him.

E! Online - Today's installment finds Mark Wahlberg swapping those Boogie Nights for the Miami heat, John Waters breaking out the beehives again for a Hairspray sequel and Tim Burton finding a girl to take a spin through the looking-glass in his Alice in Wonderland.

AP - NEW YORK (AP) — 50 Cent has sued Taco Bell, claiming the fast-food restaurant chain is using his name without permission in advertising that asks him to call himself 99 Cent.

Reuters - Britain's music and film industries launched a fight back against online piracy on Thursday, persuading the six biggest Internet providers to send warning letters to those suspected of illegal file-sharing.

AP - LONDON (AP) — Madame Tussauds unveiled a waxwork of Amy Winehouse on Wednesday complete with her signature beehive, black eyeliner and a bright yellow minidress.

AP - "It's a deeply personal matter. I would ask you to respect my privacy in the matter." — Christian Bale, on allegations that he assaulted his mother and sister at a London hotel.

Reuters - Rapper and hip-hop mogul 50 Cent sued Taco Bell on Wednesday, saying the restaurant chain made him the star of its hip-hop themed ad campaign without his permission and without paying him a fee.