9ICE ADDRESSES RUMOURED RECONCILATION WITH ESTRANGED WIFE, TONI PAYNE

When asked by an Encoimum reporter if the rumours that he was back with his estranged wife Toni Payne was true, he replied:

    What I can tell you is that the relationship 9ice had with Toni Payne produced a child. For this reason, the presence of this child will always create a reason for the two of us to see, because the father needs to see the son, and the son needs to see the father. So if anybody sees 9ice and Toni Payne together, it's probably because they have come together to take care of the boy.

WAR BETWEEN RITA DOMINIC AND INI EDO CONTINUES: RITA DOMINIC IS ONLY JEALOUS OF INI EDO - INSIDER

The ongoing war between two Nollywood’s actresses, Rita Dominic and Ini Edo Ehigwene might not come to an end soon if what we are getting from camps of both sides is anything to go by.

The storm in the tea cup started when Rita took to a social networking site, twitter to show her displeasure at what she indirectly referred to as a sham in the number of votes Ini got overnight while AFRIFF was one.

Both thespians had canvassed for votes to win in the Best Actress of the year category at the just concluded Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos. The category had Patience Ozorkwo, Funke Akindele, Joke Silva, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo and others.

According to reports, winners of the awards would get return tickets to Tribeca Film Festival in New York next year courtesy of Arik Air, which is one of the sponsors of AFRIFF.

Winning the award was initially by public voting system on AFRIFF’s website. This made nominees canvass for votes from fans by every means available at their disposals. The organizers later settled for a lucky dip system, which produced Ini Edo as the winner, after the initial voting system generated lots of controversies.

We gathered that Ini’s votes rose from 2586 to 6693 votes between the night of Wednesday to Thursday morning. This made Rita tweet, Ok, I have to announce this o! INI EDO who had 200 votes last night has eclipsed the first place actress by 200 votes. JEZUXXXX.

According to the information gathered by NigeriaFilms.Com from an insider, we were told that Rita is just jealous of Ini Edo. According to the insider, “Rita is just jealous of Ini Edo. It is very clear that the people love Ini more than her, she should just wake up to that reality.”

When NigeriaFilms.Com asked why the assertion of jealousy by Rita, the insider said further, “If she weren’t jealous, why would she go on twitter to tweet what she did. The exclamation mark (….this o!) and the use JEZUXXXX explain everything. She has always never liked Ini, she sees her as a competitor and never like a colleague. This is just too bad of her. Let her go to h**l for all I care.” I hope she can now see that Ini Edo is better than her in all ramifications, Ini won what she was dying to get with ease. Rita is just a busy body. That is all.

Going to a source close to Rita, we were informed that there is no reason to be jealous of Ini Edo by Rita. “they are colleagues, there is no point being jealous of Ini. Though you guys [press] have always made the people believe Rita is at war with Ini but Rita does not have the time to do that.” The source said.

Speaking further, Rita never accused Ini of cheating but only came on twitter just to inform the people of the latest results of the votes cast. That was just it and nothing more.”

SHAN GEORGE GETS RECORD DEAL

Controversial mulatto Nollywood actress,Shan George is said to have been awarded a whooping 25 million recording deal from Dome Records.

The actress who is said to be excited about the juicy deal which will see the singer releasing two albums in two years for the record label,already has two albums to her credit since her foray into the music industry.

WHAT NEXT, KATE HENSHAW?

That the marriage of Kate Henshaw has hit the rocks is no more news. In fact saying she has joined the league of the celebrities whose marriage has become history is no more exclusive. But the question people are asking this Calabar, Cross-River state-born actress is, what next?

It was reported that the beautiful actess who was adjudged the Best Actress in Africa in 2008, courtesy of Africa Movies Academy Award (AMAA) traveled out after the break-up.

It was even rumoured that Kate will surprise everyone by announcing another son of Adam as the crown of her head.

Whichever way, people are anxiously waiting to know your next move, abi like the single status?

OJUKWU'S SON BATTLES BIANCA

Even as late Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu’s kinsmen are yet to come terms with the grim reality of his demise,the festering feud between his wife,Bianca and eldest son,Emeka Ojukwu(Jnr) is threatening to mar his final rites of passage.

Since the Ikemba Nnewi took ill,there has been a lingering feud between Bianca and her stepson.If there was any doubt about the sour relationship between Bianca and late Ikemba’s son,the brawl between the duo culminating in conflicting statements on his state of health only brought it to the fore during the early stages of Ikemba’s hospitalization in London,as the supremacy conflict endured.

While Bianca consistently fed Nigerians a picture depicting Ikemba as recuperating,the younger Ojukwu was of the opinion that Ojukwu’s health was on the decline,and as such,the world should know.

Emeka reportedly put his foot down,insisting that he remained the only authority to speak on his father’s health being the eldest son and as Igbo tradition demands.

We gathered that Emeka Ojukwu (Jnr) was however ready to play down his feud with his stepmother(Bianca) so as to avoid any conflict that would possibly mar the father’s burial ceremonies.

Another snag in the whole issue boils down to who gets the bigger recognition .

Until now,Federal Government and the states in the East have been discussing with Bianca on how to give the late Ikemba a befitting burial while Emeka(Jnr) has been doing his own thing.Only last week,some of the late Ikemba’s siblings led by Chief Innocent Okafor,officially communicated the Ikemba’s death to Igwe K.O.N Orizu of Nnewi.

Before then,the South East governors had stated that the funeral rites of the ex-Biafran warlord will hold in Enugu,being the capital of the old Eastern region,before handing his body to his kinsmen in Nnewi for burial.

The burial of Ojukwu,we gathered,will involve some traditional rites in Nnewi since he was a holder of 2 major traditional titles-Dim & Ikemba, in the town.

BBA 2011 WINNER,KAREN IGHO TO HOST DYNAMIX AWARDS

The most anticipated youth event of the year aptly tagged “The Dynamix All Youth Awards,’ is set to hold in Lagos on December 18,2011 at the Muson Center.

The event which was earlier scheduled for December 16,2011 has just been changed to December 18,which falls on a Sunday,and according to the organizers,” the need to change the date become necessary because the earlier date falls on a Friday,and that is the date most students will be leaving their various universities for the Christmas holidays,so we had to change it in order to accommodate students who are coming from outside the state and other far places”

The 6th Dynamix Youth Awards is now billed to hold on December 18,2011 and promised to be a top notch event as always.

This year,Big Brother Amplified winner Karen Igho will be the event compere alongside comedians,Seyi Law and Bash.

The nominees list has also been officially released and top showbiz stars like Wizkid,Tuface,D’Banj,Duncan Mighty were nominated in the artiste of the year category.Other nominees include,On-air-personality,Tolu Oniru,popularly called Toolz,fast rising hip hop sensation,Lace,top model,Beverly Osu and several others.

Another interesting twist to watch out for at this year’s Dynamix Awards is the act of philanthropy by the CEO of Mo’hits Records,Don Jazzy.

At the awards last year,he spontaneously gave out N250,000 to the Best Student at the awards,but this year the stakes have been raised,the largesse has now been magnanimously doubled to a mouthwatering N500,000 by Don Jazzy.

However,the winner of the cash prize by Don Jazzy will be the student with the best write up on the essay,topic”The Role of Music in Nation Building”.

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, SUSAN PETERS RAISES FUND FOR MOTHERLESS BABIES FOR CHRISTMAS THROUGH A CONCERT

It is almost becoming a new trend for those in the make-believe industry waking up to what is expected of them, giving back to the society. Just recently, controversial Tonto Dikeh hosted some kids, where she gave them educational scholarships.

In the corporate world, every good organizations earmark a certain amount for what is termed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), where they give back to their host communities.

For those in the movie section of the entertainment industry, the people who buy or watch Nollywood’s movies can rightly be considered as the host communities, as the case may be here.

It is of this necessity that one of Nollywood’s products, Susan Peters is in her own little way is giving back to those who have appreciated her.
Susan Peters has concluded arrangement to raise fund for the motherless babies for Christmas through a concert.

According to The Duchess, as Susan is fondly referred to, she is raising money for some kids on December 23, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. She also said that Wizkid has made his intention known to support the cause by performing for the kids at the concert.

She has also called for support by other well meaning Nigerians to come out and support this noble cause by making their donations on that day. The concert is billed to start from 7pm and end by 10pm.

I WAS NEVER MARRIED TO URE'-SOUL E

Emmanuel Ifechukwude Okose popularly known as Soul-E who has been linked to several older women vehemently denied that he married Queen Ure.

According to Soul E I don’t want to say anything about my past.To even set the record straight,I have never been married.Call Ure and ask her,we were never married.

Asked,have you divorced Ure;he said The court is opened,they can go there and confirm or even call her to find out.We were in love that time but we were never married.So,the issue of divorce wouldn’t come in.

I already told you that people don’t have proof.

ACTRESS INI EDO GOES INTO MAKING NEW STARS

In her new film I’LL Take My Chances star actress Ini Edo-Ehiagwina is showing that she is also a star maker.

This is because the flick which has been premiered in Uyo Akwa Ibom State which also has preparations in high gear for the Lagos leg,produced three new stars.

They include ex-Mr. Nigeria,Brian Okpara who featured in the lead role alongside Ini herself.There is also Ini Ikpe who though has been in the industry,probably got her major in I’LL Take My Chances.

There is also Magdalene the Benue State new actress whose performance in the flick was scintillating.

Many are already giving thumbs up for Ini Edo for taking her chances on giving others the opportunity to shine in the industry just like she was given many years ago.

OSITA IHEME A.K.A PAWPAW OPENS UP ON NATIONAL AWARD + SAYS I'VE ALSO FOUND LOVE

Osita Iheme is arguably one of the best actors in Nollywood.

He is widely known for playing the role of 'Pawpaw' in the film Aki na Ukwa alongside Chinedu Ikedieze.

In 2007 Osita received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards.

He is considered to be one of Nigeria's most famous actors.

Recently,he was awarded the Nigeria National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

In a recent chat with him,he opens up on the national award.

Pawpaw,who is so happy for his(Aki) partner’s decision to marry also told us he has equally found love.But pressed to reveal the identity of the woman rocking his world,he declined comment.

He rather appealed to us to be patient.” I am in serious relationship,” was all he said.

Asked again how it feels to be recognized by the Federal Government,” It’s exciting and great to be so chosen amongst millions of eminent Nigerians.When I missed it last year,I told people my own is coming.And finally it’s here.So,I am so,so happy.I thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his honour.I promise I won’t disappoint.

It’s now Aki and Pawpaw MFR.God is the greatest”.

Credited with over 100 movies,and on high demand as a performing artiste,Pawpaw is one of the richest actors in Nollywood.

He lives in an estate in Ogba,Ikeja axis of Lagos while he and Chinedu (Aki) are building a twin duplex in Lagos. Both have also completed their buildings in Aba, Enyimba City, Abia State.

TIPS ON TRAVELLING BY CAR DURING PREGNANCY

Driving rather than flying or taking a train can often be more convenient when you’re going away. You have the freedom to go where and when you like. But how can you make sure you have a safe and comfortable car journey? Try these tips for a good road trip.

There’s no reason not to travel by car when you’re pregnant, but you will need plenty of stops for the toilet and to stretch your legs. If sitting in the car gives you backache, try putting a cushion, foam wedge or rolled up sweater in the small of your back.

As your pregnancy progresses and your bump gets bigger, you may prefer to let someone else drive. Your bump can get uncomfortably close to the steering wheel and you may find driving too much like hard work.

Sitting anywhere for long periods of time can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. Take a break from driving at least every 90 minutes, although you may need to stop even more often for the toilet!

To prevent cramps, find somewhere safe to walk around and do some simple stretches. If you’re sitting or standing, extend your leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. When you’re sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks and drinks with you to nibble on the journey. A hand-held water spray can be useful to cool your face.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes too. You don’t need a waistband or tight armholes digging in when you’re travelling.

You should always wear a seat belt when you’re travelling in a car, whether you’re pregnant or not. It’s something we all have to do by law. This applies to both front and back seats. If you wear the belt correctly, it will help protect you and your baby from harm if you stop suddenly or have an accident.

It is always safer to use a three-point seat belt with a lap belt and diagonal strap. While a lap belt is better than no seat belt at all, a three-point seat belt is much safer for you and your unborn baby if you are involved in a collision.

Wear the lap portion so that it fits across your thighs and hips, and under your bump, not across the middle of it. If the lap portion is positioned across your belly, pressure from it could cause problems with the placenta and could hurt your baby. The diagonal shoulder portion of the belt should sit over your collarbone and between your breasts. Make sure you wear your seat belt as tight as possible.

A seat belt can be awkward when you’re pregnant. But it’s worth spending time getting comfortable. If the belt cuts across your neck, try repositioning your seat so it fits better, or get a seat belt pad.

Yes, an air bag will protect you and your baby if you’re in an accident. Air bags are designed to work with a seat belt and you should be safe as long as you are wearing a seat belt properly.

If you are in a collision, your seat belt will help restrain your upper chest and keep you away from the steering wheel. The airbag helps spread out the force of the crash, acting as an instant cushion for you and your bump.

If you’re the driver and the steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward so it’s further away from your tummy. If it’s hard to reach the steering wheel or pedals when the seat is back, try a cushion to raise yourself higher in the seat.

It pays to be extra prepared for breakdowns and other emergencies. Changing a flat tyre can be tricky at any time, let alone when you have a large bump!

If your car do break down on the motorway, follow these steps:

•Pull on to the road side (hard shoulder) as far as possible.

•Point your wheels to the right.

•Put on your hazard and headlights.

•Phone for help and make sure you know where you are.

•Try to use the emergency telephone rather than a mobile to ring for help, this helps the breakdown company find you. There are reference numbers on emergency telephones and marker posts.

•If you are too far from the phone or you’re worried about walking the distance, try to remember the last exit you passed.

•Leave your car via the right-hand door and wait on the far side of your car, away from the motorway traffic.

•If you feel vulnerable, sit in the right-hand side of your car.

RACIST BRITISH COPS SEIZE MANCHESTER CITY's MARIO BALOTELLI's N25 MILLION MASERATI CAR

If you think that USA is the only place wealthy black people are harassed daily by racist cops for driving  expensive cars, then think again, because according to report reaching Nollywoodgossip, it’s something common in most western countries  – and it’s becoming even more pronounced in the UK now.

Manchester City’s striker Mario Balotelli just dropped £100,000 on a Maserati car and just a day after he bought it, it was seized by cops.

Their excuse…well, they pulled the Italian who is black over on suspicion of speeding.

Suspicion of over speeding! So now police don’t have to be certain you’re over speeding before pulling you over? They are now pulling people over on suspicion of over speeding? Hmmmmm!

It didn’t stop there. When it was clear Balotelli wasn’t over speeding, the policemen went ahead to confiscate the motor, saying it might not be legally registered.

Again…might not be legally registered! So they’re not even sure if it was legally registered or not?

THERE IS NO MARRIAGE ON MY PLAN NOW - NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS OBY GOLD EDOZIEH

Nollywood actress Oby Gold Edozieh has finally quelled the rumors surrounding her upcoming marriage. Some bloggers even fixed dates and made wedding plans on her behalf.

In a telephone conversation with The Leadership Newspaper, Oby says:

“I don t know where they get the story of my marriage from. There is no marriage on my plan now, at least not till the second quarter of next year (2012)”. Is there anything to add again?

We believe we’ve heard from the horse’s mouth.

I ACCEPTED MY DAUGHTER's MARRIAGE TO CHINEDU IKEDIEZE, BECAUSE I MARRIED MY WIFE WITHOUT ANYBODY's INTERFERENCE - NNEOMA'S FATHER, MR LAWRENCE NWAJAH

Aki's Inlaw

It’s been a very short and successful road for once little known makeup artist Nneoma Nwajah who is now Mrs Ikedieze.

Nollywoodgossip brought you the news when she and Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) were still doing lovey dovey. Then we brought you the news of their tradition wedding when we published Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) finally marries. We also brought you Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) shows dance steps at his marriage ceremony .

And just as the happy couple were about to start reaping the fruit of their marriage, tongues started wagging that the beautiful lady married the millionaire superstar for his money and not for love. This made Nneoma to grant an interview where she said: “Saying that I married Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) for money and fame is cheap talk.”  And to support his wife, Chinedu said: “I’m happy because God gave me a woman of my dream.”

On the 9th of December 2011, the man popularly known as Aki took his wife to the alter in a stretch hummer Jeep and Nollywoodgossip brought you all the photos.

After the white wedding, Nneoma’s father – Mr Lawrence Nwajah, a retired civil servant, from the University Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu – granted an interview to a newspaper. Excerpts:

How do you describe your daughter?

She is a well-trained lady, respectful and down-to-earth. I brought up my children in a Christian way, and I’m blessed with seven of them. Nneoma is my second daughter.

How did your daughter break the news of her getting married to Aki?

Nneoma graduated from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). She did her National Youth Service, here in Lagos, and this is where she met Aki. I remember that during one of her visits to the village, she hinted her mother that she had found her husband. As a mother, she encouraged her to break the news to me. And when she finally did, I welcomed the idea, because I married my wife without anybody’s interference.

I only said to her, ‘You have come of age, and I cannot choose a husband for you. Since you have found the man you want to marry, go ahead and marry the person. You will have my blessing.’ Later, I inquired to know who the lucky man was, and she mentioned Aki. I told her plainly,’ I have no problem with him’.

The first time you saw Chinedu, did you feel disappointed?

Not at all, Chinedu decided to marry my daughter and she accepted the proposal. Who am I to oppose the marriage? I never said Chinedu should not enter my compound, just as his father never said his son will not marry my daughter. We are all here today, to give them our blessings.

They are wedding today. What’s your advice to the couple?

I wish them the best of marriage life. I want a child from them and I pray that God will bless them with many children. By this time next year, I hope to come back to Lagos, to celebrate with them, on the arrival of their baby.

NOLLYWOOD ACTOR McSMITH OCHENDO RECEIVES DEATH THREATS FOR SAYING THAT GAYS AND LESBIANS ARE THE CAUSE OF DEATHS IN NOLLYWOOD

After Nollywood actor cum musician Mcsmith Ochendo explained to Nollywoodgossip Why there are so many deaths in Nollywood, he has been receiving death threats from every angle. But the fearless entertainer is not a man easily intimidated by anonymous phones calls and threatening messages, in fact, he came out swinging harder.

Ochendo, who traced his long standing battle with the industry to his outspokenness, says:

“They call with private numbers. They threatened my life after I gave you last interview. I guess they are afraid that I’ll expose a lot of things, just like I did before when I took our actresses to the cleaners some years ago. Then I called them cheap prostitutes, because they normally go to London to warm the beds of little boys for 400 pounds. That statement generated a lot of noise and what followed thereafter were vicious attacks from the so-called A-list actresses.

“I weathered the storm. I came out victorious. My middle name is controversy.

“Because I speak the truth all the time, that’s why they don’t want to give me roles again. How can they pay me N300, 000 when they pay stylists turned actors from Ghana in dollars? They’ll put the Ghanaians in 5-star hotels and want to put us [Nigerians] in N4, 500 hotels. And if you protest they’ll say you’re a stubborn person.

“When I look at the lukewarm attitude of some of our moviemakers, my heart bleeds and I weep for this industry that has brought me fame and small fortune. Nollywood should be run by experts and not mediocre – this has been the bane of Nollywood. Mediocrity has taken the front seat, while professionalism has been relegated to the background.”

GHANAIAN ACTRESS JULIET IBRAHIM HITS THE STUDIO FOR MUSIC ALBUM (PHOTOS)

Beautiful Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim is currently in the music studio working on her debut album.

The hardworking mother, who told the News: “I’m launching my kidney cancer foundation and a music album soon,” is also recording a charity song for the launching her NGO (Juliet Ibrahim Foundation).

We learned that she’s working on the album with Ghanaian stars such as Scientific, D-Black, Captain Planet, and more.

We hope that her music is as beautiful as her heart.

E-X-C-L-U-S-I-V-E: GENEVIEVE NNAJI LOSES MAJOR ROLE TO OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE

Nollywood super star Genevieve Nnaji has lost the lead role to her arch-rival Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, aka "Omo Sexy" in the big budget Nollywood movie that Teco Benson is directing now.

Genevieve had the role until she travelled to America and since the filmmaker did not want her to delay the film production, he decided to replace her with Omotola who is already on location this Sunday in Lekki, Lagos.

More on this later.

FANTASIA BARRINO GIVES BIRTH TO A BABY BOY

 

The American Idol winner gave birth to a baby boy at the Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina yesterday Tuesday Dec 13th. He's been named Dallas Xavier Barrino,

Her baby daddy is boyfriend Antwaun Cook, who is still legally married to his estranged wife, Paula. Fantasia already has a 10 year old daughter, Zion.

GOSPEL ACT, KENNY SAINT BROWN GOES INTO MOVIE

Contemporary gospel artist,Kenny Saint Brown,popularly known as KSB, has joined the movie industry.

She played a minor role in Tade Ogidan’s new flick (Family on Fire). She featured in the movie alongside other top actors like Saheed Balogun, Shola Sobowale, Sola Fosudo, Segun Arinze and others.

According to KSB, I just featured in a movie (Family on Fire) produced by the legend, Tade Ogidan. He cast me in it.

It was really interesting.I didn’t have much problem saying my lines because of the wonderful people I worked with.They really helped me a lot.The executive producer was quite encouraging. She said.

Asked,have you been acting before;she said No.I was just invited for this one. But the truth is that I can act,do comedy and MC. I’m just gifted. I believe the producer saw that talent in me.

KSB also revealed that she would do everything to shuttle between her busy schedules and movie location schedules

NAETO C, KEVIN PAM, NAMED ANTI RAPE AMBASSADORS BY YOUTH MINISTER.

Nigerian Rapper Naeto C and Kevin Pam (BBAwinner) have been appointed by the Hon. Minister of Youth , Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi as the spokespersons and the Ambassadors for the Nigerian Youth & the Rape Challenge. The duo was unveiled December 5th 2011 at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton, Abuja.

The Honorable Minister also unveiled plans to ensure that cases of Sexual abuse and other violences against young Nigerian women are tackled to ensure human dignity. As a strategic bait of hooking the youths to the moral thrust of the campaign, Scintilatting slogans have also been introduced.

AFRICAN CHINA NOW FACES TOUGH TIMES

For months now, Chinagorom Onuoha popularly known as African China has been finding it difficult to believe what is going on in his music career.

His problems according to what we gathered have to do with the flop of his newest album titled “E Get As Body Dey Do Me” in the market.

The album released months ago,according to our source has not been receiving desired market patronage by lovers of China's music.

They said the first 5000 copies(CD) of the work replicated on the week of its release since the month of April has been lying untouched on the shelves of many marketers whom the distributor, Globedisk Music supplied.

Another source also told us that the Abia State born act meanwhile,is not finding it funny at all,as they said that for sometime now that he has been lamenting to his close pal that what is happening to him might be spiritual although he has not mentioned the name of the person he suspects to be responsible for his latest woes.

T.I. TO RELEASE MIXTAPE ON NEW YEAR's DAY

Tip took to Twitter to announce the release of a new mixtape on New Year's Day.

Although T.I. has only been out of jail for a few months, the King of the South has been hitting the studio hard, dropping acclaimed tracks like "I'm Flexin'"  and "Pyro,"  as well as lending his talents to the remix of Yelawolf's single "Hard White." Now, the Grand Hustle impresario has announced that he's planning to drop a new mixtape new year.

Tip took to Twitter earlier today to announce that he'll be dropping a new mixtape titled Fuck Da City Up at the top of the year. The ATL rapper explained that Fuck Da City Up will be dropping at midnight on New Year's Day.

FORMER DEATH ROW RECORDS VP JOHN C. ATTERBERRY SHOT & KILLED IN HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA

After getting shot in Los Angeles, the 40-year-old succumbed to his wounds.

Music executive and former Death Row Records VP John C. Atterberry passed away yesterday after suffering gunshot wounds during a shootout on Friday in Hollywood, California.

According to the LA Times, the 40-year-old was driving near Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street when he was shot three times in the face and neck. The gunman, 26-year-old Tyler Brehm, randomly shot at passing cars before cops arrived and shot him.

Following the shooting, Atterberry was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead yesterday at 3 p.m.

Atterberry got his feet wet in the music industry as an A&R for Tabu Records. He served as VP of Death Row Records, and later worked on albums by Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Brandy and more.

MYSTIKAL OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES SIGNING TO CASH MONEY, PREPS NEW SINGLE "ORIGINAL"

Mystikal enlists Lil Wayne and Birdman for his first single released on the imprint.

After Busta Rhymes signed a deal with Cash Money Records last month, Mystikal has officially announced his signing to the label.

Mystikal, who is currently working on his Cash Money debut, plans to release the offering’s first single “Original” featuring Lil Wayne and Birdman tonight on the Funkmaster Flex show on Hot 97.

“It has been a truly long time since I have felt like a rapper and with this signing, and partnership, Birdman and Slim have given me my life as a rapper back,” says Mystikal. “I am ready to go. I am going to put my red Superman drawers, cape and boots on and go! This is a huge moment for me and I am truly excited to be with Cash Money Records.”

“It is an honor to get the opportunity to work with Mystikal, as we have a long history together,” adds Bryan “Birdman” Williams, Cash Money Records co-founder. “He is a great artist and his talent, combined with our hard work and strong team, is going to result in some of the best music of his career. We are expecting great work from Mystikal. Slim and I already have him in the studio working on his first album for Cash Money.”