Kanye West Arrested After U.K. Nightclub Incident

Kanye West was arrested after an alleged assault outside a U.K. nightclub, but was released without charge, according to British press reports.

The 31-year-old artist was detained in the early hours of this morning (Nov. 14) after an incident involving a paparazzi photographer.

The incident took place outside the Tup Tup Palace club in Newcastle, north-east England, after West’s performance at Newcastle Arena last night.

He is currently on his “Glow in the Dark” U.K. tour that continues at the Birmingham NEC tomorrow (Nov. 15), Glasgow SECC (Nov. 16), and the Manchester Evening News Arena on Nov. 17.

A spokesperson at Mercury Records, which releases West’s recordings in the United Kingdom, tells Billboard.com that the label is issuing no statement.

The alleged U.K. fracas comes shortly after the star was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport last month when he was filmed struggling with photographers. No charges were brought over that incident.

New 50 Cent Album Pushed To Early ‘09

Originally due Dec. 16, 50 Cent’s new album, “Before I Self Destruct,” has been pushed to an unspecified date in early 2009.

Interscope says the artist was “rushing” to meet the December date but “with the deadline to secure advertising and retail placement for the album imminent,” the rapper opted to wait until next year.

The album boasts production and guest turns from mentors Dr. Dre and Eminem; producer Scott Storch helmed first single “Get Up.”

“Before I Self Destruct” will be bundled with a full-length feature film of the same name, in which 50 Cent plays a budding basketball star who becomes a criminal after his mother’s murder.

Early pressings of the album will also include a second DVD with the documentary “Two Turntables And A Microphone: The Life And Death Of Jam Master Jay,” which 50 Cent executive produced.

Various Artists - Beyond the Horizon

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Various Artists - Beyond the Horizon

“BBC Radio DJ Charlie Gillett offers a generous sampling of outstanding world music on this double-disc set: 34 tunes by 34 artists from 28 countries. It’s an indulgence that comes highly recommended. It’s also difficult to single out extra-special tracks within this embarrassment of riches, but make note of Israeli vocalist Yasmin Levy’s performance on “Una Noche Mas.” Justin Adams and Gambian griot Juldeh Camara are equally captivating on “Ngamen.” Dengue Fever’s “Sleepwalking Through the Mekong” is definitely worth a listen, thanks to Chhom Nimol’s eerie vocal. On Disc two, the Uzbek singer Sevara delivers an evocative bit of exoticism on “Kunlarim Sensiz.” From the truly inspired album “Made in Dakar,” Orchestra Baobab offers “Ndeleng Ndeleng.” And then there’s Le Trio Joubran, assaying a three-oud tour de force that’s nothing short of magical. —Philip Van Vleck”

Hezekiah Walker & LFC - Souled Out

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Hezekiah Walker & LFC - Souled Out

“With 13 albums and 20 years of recording behind them, Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Crusade have grown from a group of exuberant Brooklyn teenagers into one of gospel’s most acclaimed ensembles. On “Souled Out,” the defining production and arrangements of maestro Donald Lawrence evince a deft ear and delicate-but-decisive hand at every turn, yielding a work that easily stands as the high-spot of the group’s career. The title track is a rafter-rattling jam, equal parts “old-school” gospel and propulsive R&B. Rocker Ricardo Sanchez and LFC are a perfect pairing on the power-pop ballad “Moving Ahead,” and “It Shall Come to Pass” is elegant, modern-day hymnody, with a stunning vocal turn by guest Shawn McLemore. With a strong connection to the past, and projection to the future, Hezekiah Walker & LFC are a picture-perfect representation of gospel music today. —Gordon Ely”