HRS News

Newly reunited Rage Against The Machine (RATM) has announced their plans to perform three exclusive engagements with this year’s indie hip-hop festival Rock The Bells.

Last year’s fest boasted the Wu Tang Clan who will return this year to co-headline with Rage.

“It’s definitely our fans’ dream billing. It’s a tremendous honor to have Rage Against The Machine and Wu-Tang Clan perform together,” said event organizer Chang Weisberg. “I can’t wait to announce the rest of the line-up for Rock the Bells. It’s incredibly important to put some shine on quality Hip Hop. The opportunity to galvanize the social and political consciousness of these groups is undeniable.”

Dates are August 11 (NOS Events Center, San Bernardino, CA) and August 18 at a yet-to-be announce venue in San Francisco. Breaking with traditional West coast-only dates, the fest will add a third date on the eastern seaboard with a July 28 gig at New York City’s Randall’s Island.

RATM split up in 2000, with guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk going on to form rock group Audioslave with singer Chris Cornell. Last month, a RATM reunion performance at the famed Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was announced for April, while Cornell announced he’d left Audioslave. Cornell covered Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” late last year.

The Wu-Tang Clan, who re-united for their last performance with the late Old Dirty Bastard for 2004′s Rock The Bells, will support the release of their upcoming Summer release, 8 Diagrams.

The complete Rock The Bells line-up will be announced March 26th. Tickets will go on-sale March 31st at 10:00am. For complete info visit www.rockthebells.net/.

After a six year absence, Redman returns to the music game with Red Gone Wild – Thee Album.

Due Mar. 27, the set features production by Erick Sermon, Scott Storch, Timbaland, Rockwilder, and special appearances by Method Man, Erick Sermon and Keith Murray, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Biz Markie.

Shortly before the album drops, fans can check Red at the annual South By Southwest Music Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas, Mar. 16 & 17th.

“Put It Down” is the first single and you can check it out below.

Red’s last album Malpractice (2001), featured the singles “Let’s Get Dirty (I Can’t Get in Da Club),” “Smash Sumthin’,” and “Diggy Doc.”

AUDIO: Redman – “Put It Down” Windows|Real

Former “American Idol” contestant Jennifer Hudson scored the best supporting actress award for her debut performance in the movie musical “Dreamgirls.”

“I have to just take this moment in,” she said during her emotional acceptance. “I cannot believe this. Look what God can do.”

Reportedly on a strict fitness routine, Hudson is said to have partied later by drinking mineral water all night, and going home early because she had to get up for an early morning workout with her personal trainer.

Meanwhile, co-star Anika Noni Rose wore shoes covered with 1,420 diamonds set in platinum circles. The shoes, designed by Stuart Weitzman are worth a mere $500,000.

Best actor Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker, rocked a diamond, stainless steel and green rubber bracelet designed by Russell Simmons’ Jewelry Company’s Green Initiative collection. Funds from the sale of items from the collection fund African educational programs.

Many were surprised the best supporting actor award did not go to comedy vet Eddie Murphy who tuned heads with his breakout performance in Dreamgirls. The 45 year old later told Barbara Walters that he would retire from making movies in five years and go back to doing stand up.