Rapper MC Guru dead at 43
NEW YORK, April 21 (UPI) -- Keith Elam, a U.S. rapper known professionally as MC Guru, has died of cancer-related causes, his friend, producer Solaar said. Elam was 43.
Best known for his work with the influential hip-hop group Gang Starr, Elam died Monday.
"The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solaar said in a statement issued to MTV News. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius."
MTV News said Elam wrote a letter to his followers to be released upon his death.
"I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options," he said in the message. "I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting."
Gosselin voted off of 'Dancing'
LOS ANGELES, April 21 (UPI) -- Kate Gosselin became the latest celebrity voted off of the competition series "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday.
"I'm very, very honored to have been here. I love everyone that I met. It was a good experience. I'm sorry I'm crying. I'm a crybaby," the reality television personality said upon learning her fate. "I had a wonderful teacher (professional dance partner Tony Dovolani) and, honestly, I can't wait to watch the rest of these people perform on Monday nights because they are all so wonderful and they do such a great job and I've grown to love everyone."
Gosselin was one of the stars of the former reality series "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
Still in the running with their professional dance partners for the mirrorball trophy are Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Evan Lysacek, Niecy Nash, Chad Ochocinco, Jake Pavelka and Nicole Scherzinger.
Nimoy says he's retiring from acting
TORONTO, April 21 (UPI) -- "Star Trek" icon Leonard Nimoy says he'll retire from acting at the age of 79 after a final appearance on the U.S. science-fiction series "Fringe" this season.
"I've been doing this professionally for 60 years," Nimoy told the Toronto Sun. "I love the idea of going out on a positive note. I've had a great, great time. ... I want to get off the stage. Also, I don't think it would be fair to Zachary Quinto. He's a terrific actor, he looks the part, and it's time to give him some space. And I'm very flattered the character will continue."
Nimoy originated the beloved character of Spock on the original "Star Trek" television series and reprised the role in numerous movies.
Quinto took over the part last year in the blockbuster film "Star Trek," in which Nimoy had a cameo as an older version of Spock.
TVGuide.com said Nimoy started playing a recurring role on "Fringe" at the end of Season 1 after a 12-year hiatus from acting.
The show is now in its second season.
'2.0' still No. 1 on U.S. album chart
LOS ANGELES, April 21 (UPI) -- Justin Bieber's "My World 2.0" is No. 1 on the U.S. album chart for a third week, Billboard.com reported Wednesday.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 is MGMT's "Congratulations," followed by Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" at No. 3, Usher's "Raymond v Raymond" at No. 4 and Coheed and Cambria's "Year of the Black Rainbow" at No. 5.
Rounding out the top tier are the "Now 33" compilation CD at No. 6, Lady Gaga's "The Fame" at No. 7, Ke$ha's "Animal" at No. 8, Monica's "Still Standing" at No. 9 and Bieber's "My World" at No. 10.
