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George Michael’s Driving And Drugging Woes

The singer’s latest driving-related arrest caps off years of erratic behavior behind the wheel. By Mawuse Ziegbe George Michael Photo: Live 8/ Getty Images In his latest headline-making turn behind the wheel, pop singer George Michael was arrested on Sunday in London on suspicion of being unfit to drive. Michael was taken to a London police station after cops received reports that a car had smashed into a building. While the weekend crash recalls a scene from, say, “The Dukes of Hazzard” or “Cops,” the collision was just another mark on Michael’s growing list of rowdy (and often drug-related) automotive incidents. Michael shot to fame in the 1980s as a member of the Brit pop duo Wham! and later found solo success with hits like “Faith,” “I Want Your Sex” and “Father Figure.” After getting arrested in a Beverly Hills restroom and being charged with “engaging in a lewd act” in 1998 — a move that sparked massive media attention and eventually led the singer to both acknowledge his sexuality and spoof the incident in the video for his single “Outside” — Michael has lit up headlines in recent years more for his erratic behavior than for his hit-making prowess. 2006 – Authorities arrested Michael after the star was found slumped over in a car and blocking traffic in central London . The singer was detained on suspicion of possessing Class C drugs (Class C drugs include a range of substances, such as marijuana and painkillers) and then released on bail. Michael was involved in a similar incident just a few months later. Once again, the star was found knocked out in a vehicle and then crashed into a traffic divider when a fellow driver woke him. 2007 – Michael was barred from driving for two years after crashing into three parked vehicles and failing to notify the owners of the cars before driving away. 2008 – Even on foot, the star continued to run into trouble. The singer was arrested on drug-possession charges after an attendant caught Michael in a public restroom in London (a seemingly favored haunt for the troubled singer) with a “small amount” of marijuana and crack cocaine. Luckily for the star, Michael was not charged and was sent along with a cautionary warning. 2009 – In what appears to be an annual trend for the singer, Michael was arrested again after he crashed his Land Rover into a truck . The star was questioned and then released and later denied being inebriated in a statement: “Neither of us [the truck driver nor Michael] was charged because we were both stone cold sober.” The star added, “I don’t want my fans or my family worried by what they are reading all over again.” Related Artists George Michael

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George Michael’s Driving And Drugging Woes

Eminem? Drake? Fans Name Their Best Albums Of The Year (So Far)

Fans also rep for Christina Aguilera, Jonelle Monae. By James Montgomery Drake Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images Last week we had reached the midway point of 2010, and I wrote my annual “Best Albums of the Year (So Far)” list . And, much like every other year, there were a whole lot of people who had different opinions. It seems that no matter how many albums I choose to highlight (23 this time around), there are always some that I miss … and more often than not, at least one of those albums is by Eminem. Last year, I left Relapse off of my list , and, boy, did the Em fans let me know about it. This year, his Recovery disc failed to make the cut, and once again, the fans were out in full force, voicing their displeasure and calling me all sorts of nasty things. While we could live without the catcalls, we want to know your picks for the best albums of the year so far, and lots of people have written in with theirs (Drake, B.o.B., Christina Aguilera). Oh, and a few folks out there actually agreed with my list, so, hey, let’s hear from them, too — and let us know what your picks are! “What about Eminem’s Recovery? SEVEN of his songs are on the Top 100 Billboard list,” reader Keith wrote. “And also, what about Drake’s Thank Me Later? The numbers show clearly for these guys.” Reader Ian had similar feelings — “Where is B.o.B’s album The Adventures of Bobby Ray? That was incredible.” — as did ConcertConfessions.com — “Dude, you forgot Deftones’ Diamond Eyes. Oh, and I am trying, but just not feeling the new Against Me! Some songs I love, some songs I want to smack them for.” — and Stomp17 (“Where is Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach? That album should at least be number 10 or 9 on the Best of 2010 list [note: It made the list as an ‘Honorable Mention’].” Several people had a lot to say about their picks. MclintM sounded off about Christina Aguilera’s Bionic : “I don’t understand all the backlash and unnecessary criticism with [ Bionic ]. If you give it repeat listens — the whole 24 tracks as it was meant to be … can’t stand label’s deluxe editions now — and have heard previous efforts it all makes sense in her trajectory. Really plays with her voice and is some of the most downright club-worthy stuff she’s ever laid down.” Others drilled down into my picks, singling out Janelle Monae in particular. “Great article!,” reader Mike wrote. “Kudos on a lot of your choices. A couple comments: 1) I think you should check out Foxy Shazam. Their self-titled album came out in April and it is fantastic. They have an incredible amount of energy and talent. 2) I think Robyn deserves higher on the list. Even at eight tracks, the album is really great. She really has a knack for writing great quality pop songs. 3) Others that I think you should consider for your list are Sia’s We Are Born and Motion City Soundtrack’s My Dinosaur Life. I also think Janelle Monae should be #1 on your list. Her album is fantastic and innovative. I really think she is the future of music.” “I heard Janelle Monae’s CD and I must say, pure epic,” Cwilson10 wrote. “I was hearing all kinds of stuff, I thought I was tripping for a second. To tell you the truth I didn’t know her CD was going to be that much fun. It felt like I was in a movie theater when the CD was over and Janelle was my date. I’m not lying, she puts everything into a story!!” And, of course, a few readers shared their disappointment in certain releases. “Sorry, but the new LCD Soundsystem is the biggest disappointment of the year,” Theboogieman631 wrote. “Time to get off Mr. Murphy’s n–s.” And Yoprince sounded off about several albums: “Glad to hear I’m not the only The Hold Steady fan who was a bit disappointed, which is to say a lot disappointed since they’re like my favorite American band. Damn Craig for thinking it was time to start harmonizing. I still haven’t been able to get all the way through that Gorillaz record. Janelle Monae, Yeasayer, Sleigh Bells FTW! And yes, I like the Drake record, which seems to be an unpopular opinion outside of teenagers and some very defensive blog writers. No Eminem? Fine with me. Too many tracks and Em fans won’t admit it but some of those punchlines were more miss than hit.” So what are your favorite albums of the year so far? Sound off in the comments below! Related Videos MTV News Best Albums Of 2010 (So Far) Related Artists Drake Eminem Christina Aguilera

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Eminem? Drake? Fans Name Their Best Albums Of The Year (So Far)

Queen Latifah, The Virgins, Liza Minnelli Celebrate Paper’s 25th Anniversary

Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Mark Ronson and Janelle Monae party for the New York magazine. By Steven Roberts Queen Latifah at the PAPER magazine party at the New York Public Library in New York City on Tuesday Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images NEW YORK — Paper magazine celebrated its 25th anniversary Tuesday evening with a party at the New York Public Library. Kanye West , Kid Cudi and Janelle Monae were all in attendance as Queen Latifah , the Virgins , DJ Mark Ronson and Liza Minnelli performed

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Queen Latifah, The Virgins, Liza Minnelli Celebrate Paper’s 25th Anniversary