BREAKING NEWS: Rap Icon Heavy D Passes Away!

WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!

In completely shocking and unexpected news, legendary hip hop star Heavy D, real name Dwight Arrington Myers, has passed away at the age of 44, TMZ has confirmed! 

A 911 call was placed from Heavy's Beverly Hills' home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway. WHEW! When police and ambulance arrived, Heavy D was reportedly unconscious and died a short while later at a nearby hospital. 

As of now, no word on what the cause of death is and, there are no signs of foul play. 

I'm completely speechless!

The "Overweight Lover" last hit the stage at this year's BET Hip Hop awards. Take a look at his last hoorah under the break....

SAD NEWS: Legendary Boxer Joe Frazier Passes!

In very sad news, legendary boxer Joe Frazier (former world heavyweight boxing champion) has lost his battle with liver cancer at the age of 67, his reps revealed last night.

Known for his highly publicized battles with Muhammad Ali, he had this to say about Frazier after word broke:

"The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration," Ali said in a short statement. "My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."

RIP

SAD NEWS: Apple Founder Steve Jobs Has Passed Away!

Via Apples's website:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a friend and inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple!

Steve Jobs was 56 years old.

If you would like to leave any comments, messages, or condolences, you can e-mail rememberingsteve@apple.com.

RIP!

Nick Ashford (Of "Ashford And Simpson") Has Died

In very sad news, the legendary Nick Ashford of "Ashford and Simpson" (singing/songwriting duo) has passed away at the age of 70.

His longtime friend and former publicist Liz Rosenberg told The Associated Press that Ashford — who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown’s biggest hits — died Monday in a New York City hospital. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment. Among the songs Ashford & Simpson penned are “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” ‘’You’re All I Need To Get By” and “Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand.” He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

I feel so bad for Valerie Simpson. Her husband was more than a "husband" to her. They worked together and have been in each other's lives for 40 years. I can't imagine how she feels.

RIP! Flip that hair in heaven, sir!

Amy Winehouse's Family Issues Joint Statement About Her Death

Amy Winehouse's parents, Mitch and Janis Winehouse, have issued the following statement about the untimely death of their daughter over the weekend. Still makes me incredibly sad.....

“Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece. She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time.”

Pics of Amy's parents visiting a shrine outside of her house under the break......

BREAKING NEWS: Amy Winehouse Found Dead

I am completely shocked by this news!!! I know there are some that are NOT considering that it is Amy Winehouse, but when a person suffers from addiction the way that she has, it's just flat out sad that she lost her battle like this. 

I'm honestly speechless. Such a talented person to be gone at such a young age. WHEW!!! Addiction is REAL people. Hug your loved ones Dancers, especially those suffering from addiction.

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse, known for her smoky soul voice and her struggle with drink and drugs, has been found dead at her flat in north London, police said. She was 27 years old. The Grammy award-winning soul singer with her trademark beehive battled with well-documented addictions that she documented in her hit single "Rehab". Her death is being treated as unexplained, Scotland Yard said. "Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square shortly before 4:05 pm (1505 GMT) today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased," a police statement said. "On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. "Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained." London Ambulance Service said it had been called to the flat at 3:54 pm (1454 GMT) and sent two ambulances. Police officers remained on duty outside her home Saturday. There was no immediate comment from her agents. Winehouse rocketed to fame after winning five Grammy awards off the back of her 2006 second album "Back to Black" and the hit single "Rehab". In the run-up to her live return, Winehouse spent a week earlier this year at an addiction treatment clinic in London, reportedly at the suggestion of her father, Mitch, over concerns that she was drinking too much before her shows. But Winehouse pulled out of her European comeback tour following a disastrous opening performance in Serbia on June 18. She was booed at the performance in Belgrade, as she appeared to be too drunk to sing. Some 20,000 people gathered for the highly-promoted concert at the sixth-century Kalemegdan fortress, but many soon left. During the concert, which lasted about 90 minutes, Winehouse could only mumble some of the lyrics, failing to follow her band. Winehouse left the stage twice, with many fans showing their displeasure despite her band's attempts to calm the crowd. "Amy Winehouse is withdrawing from all scheduled performances," a statement from her representatives said. "Everyone involved wishes to do everything they can to help her return to her best and she will be given as long as it takes for this to happen." She had also been scheduled to perform in Istanbul, Athens, Bilbao in Spain, Locarno in Switzerland, Italy's Lucca festival, Switzerland's Paleo Festival in Nyon, Nova Jazz and Blues Night in Wiesen, Austria, and Poland's Bydgoszcz Artpop Festival. Known for her distinctive voice and beehive hairdo, Winehouse's debut album "Frank" was released in 2003 and brought her wide acclaim. It went triple platinum in Britain. The follow-up, "Back to Black", was a worldwide smash hit, reaching number one in Britain and number two in the US charts. It went six times platinum in Britain and double platinum in the United States. She married Blake Fielder-Civil in Miami in May 2007 but they had a tempestuous relationship. He spent part of their marriage behind bars for a vicious attack on a pub landlord and a subsequent attempt to cover it up. They divorced in July 2009.

Source

E Street Band Member Clarence Clemons Passes Away + Bruce Springsteen Offers Words

WOW! And he was doing so well.

E Street Band member Clarence Clemons, who suffered a stroke last week, lost his battle after suffering from complications from it on Saturday. 

Longtime pal and band mate Bruce Springsteen offered the following words on his Web site. 

"Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage. He was my great friend, my partner, and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music," says Springsteen. "His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band."

So sad!

Clarence was lastly featured in Lady GaGa's video "The Edge of Glory". 

RIP

Bill Cosby's Mom On "The Cosby Show" Has Passed

I had no idea she was in fact still alive. FULL LIFE! RIP to Clarice Taylor!

Clarice Taylor, who played Bill Cosby's mother on The Cosby Show, died on Monday at age 93, her rep tells PEOPLE. She succumbed to heart failure and was surrounded by family when she passed. Taylor earned an Emmy nomination in 1986 for her recurring role as Dr. Cliff Huxtable's mother, Anna Huxtable, on the long-running sitcom. A performer on stage, radio, TV and film for over five decades, the actress was a member of the New York stage group, the Negro Ensemble Company, and helped to pave the way for African-American actors in the early 1960s. Her own big break came that decade when she landed the role of Harriet, David's grandmother, on Sesame Street. She also starred alongside Liza Minelli in 1970's Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon and played Grady's Cousin Emma on Sanford and Son. Taylor is survived by her two sons, William and James, and her five grandchildren. 

UPDATED "Cali Swag District " Member Shot And Killed!

WOW! In very shocking news....

BREAKING: M-Bone, member of popular hip hop group Cali Swag District, was shot and killed early Monday morning. Cali Swag District, who hail from Inglewood, CA, are best known for the hit, "Teach Me How to Dougie". He was only 22 years old.

More details to come.....RIP 

UPDATED

Via TMZ:

M-Bone -- who was fatally shot last night -- was the victim of a drive-by shooting, and it appears to be a random act of violence ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ. M-Bone -- aka Montae Talbert from the rap group Cali Swag District -- was next to his car in front of an Inglewood, CA liquor store at 11:32 PM Sunday when shots rang out.  Our sources say the shooter was driving down La Brea Avenue alone in his car when he fired. Inglewood detectives are investigating, but right now it looks like M-Bone was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. We're told M-Bone, who became famous with his group for the song, "Teach Me How to Dougie," was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Just sad....

Elizabeth Taylor Laid To Rest...Late To Her Own Funeral!

Ha! Gotta love it....

Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor was laid to rest yesterday afternoon at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA. 

Forest Lawn Memorial Park is the same cemetery where her good friend, the equally iconic Michael Jackson was laid to rest. At least we know she will be amongst great company and friends.

It's being reported that good 'ole Elizabeth had left instructions that she was to be buried 15 minutes later than scheduled as a fitting end to her Tinseltown life. Ha!!! An insider close to the family told press, “She even wanted to be late for her own funeral,” showing Taylor’s sense of humor about herself.

She will be missed! More flix under the break....

RIP: Elizabeth Taylor Has Passed Away!

WOW! In very shocking news (well...not so "shocking", it is being reported that iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor has passed away at the age of 79!

Taylor died "peacefully today in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles," said a statement from her publicist. She was hospitalized six weeks ago with congestive heart failure, "a condition with which she had struggled for many years. Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."

Though a two-time Oscar winner -- for "Butterfield 8" (1960) and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (1966) -- Taylor was more celebrated for simply being Elizabeth Taylor: sexy, glamorous, tempestuous, fragile, always trailing courtiers, media and fans. She wasn't above playing to that image -- she had a fragrance called "White Diamonds" -- or mocking it.

"I am a very committed wife," she once said. "And I should be committed too -- for being married so many times."

Ha! Always had a sense of humor about herself! RIP

Source

SAD NEWS: West Coast Entertainer Nate Dogg Passes Away

In incredibly sad news, West Coast entertainer/legend Nathaniel "Nate Dogg" Hale has passed away after several years of health problems. He was 41 years old.

Hale's death was first reported by the Long Beach Press Telegram, which noted that his family announced his death on Tuesday. The cause of death was not announced at press time, but Hale had struggled with serious health issues recently, including suffering a massive stroke in 2007 that left him partially paralyzed and another the following year. A spokesperson for the singer could not be reached for comment at press time for further details on his passing.

His long time friend Snoop Dogg tweeted:

"We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit ... I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan. ... All doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!"

REST IN PEACE!

Source

Soul Legend Teena Marie Passes Away At Age 54

In very SAD news, soul legend Teena Marie has passed away at the age of 54 according to her manager, Mike Gardner. 

Teena was found dead in her Los Angeles home by her daughter, and as of right now, the cause of death is unknown. 

Teena rose to fame after she was pegged "the white girl with a black voice". Born Marie Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, CA, she was widely know for her hits with r&b/funk legend Rick James.

Our condolences go out to her family. R.I.P.

Elizabeth Edwards Has Passed Away

Via CNN:

Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of 2004 vice presidential candidate and former North Carolina senator John Edwards, died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 61. She died at the family home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, according to a statement released by the family. "Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but she remains the heart of this family," the statement said. "We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life." Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her husband lost his bid for vice president in November 2004. John Edwards, a one-term Democratic senator, was Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry's running mate.

Elizabeth's last message she posted was on Facebook reads:

"The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

May she finally rest in PEACE!

R.I.P

Comedian/Actor Leslie Nielsen Has Died!

In VERY sad news, comedian/actor Leslie Nielsen died Sunday near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., surrounded by his "lovely wife and friends" at 5:34 p.m. ET, due to complications of pneumonia. 

"Just in this last 48 hours, the infection has gotten too much," his nephew Doug Nielsen said. "He just fell asleep and passed away." 

So sad!

He was 84, and lived a very full life. RIP.

Whoopi Goldberg's Mom Passes Away

In very sad news, Whoopi Goldberg announced on the season opener of The View today that her mom passed away on August 29th from a stroke.

So sad.

Even though this would be DEVASTATING to anyone, Whoopi put on a brave face and said her mom lived a full life!

Our condolences.

Vintage Kanye West And Mom Donda (Video)

Awwwww, this is sad!

Check out this vintage clip of Kanye West and mom Donda speaking about his music, and also momma West trying to spit a little! LOL. She truly was his biggest fan....even back then.

I'm sure Kanye knows she's in a better place now! R.I.P.

Stedman Graham's Mother Passes Away

In very sad news, Oprah Winfrey's long term companion Stedman Graham's mother has passed away.

The couple received the news while on a private yacht tour of the Greek islands with friends (including Gayle King), and subsequently the vacation had to be cut short.

Mary Graham, died in her home Whitesboro, NJ on August 10th, and her funeral was held in Whitesboro this past Saturday.

Source

SAD NEWS: Yankees' Owner George Steinbrenner Has Died

In very sad news, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner suffered a massive heart attack and subsequently passed away while being treated at a Tampa, Florida hospital.

Steinbrenner was famous for his colorful personality and was one of the controversial figures in Major League Baseball.

According to an inside source, paramedics were called to Steinbrenner’s side late last night and tried to save him, but around 6:30am this morning he was lost.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Elizabeth (ahhhh, young tenderoni), and their four kids Hank, Hal, Jennifer, and Jessica.

RIP! *cue up Empire State Of Mind*

RIP "The King Of Pop"....MICHAEL JACKSON!

WOW! It's been a year?

Michael Jackson.....the GREATEST to ever touch a microphone or hit the stage!

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009 

More photos under the cut........