Green Day films modern day "Thriller

The biggest story of the week has to go to Green Day and their latest video. Earlier this month, Billie Joe and the boys shot a video for their fifth single off of their critically acclaimed masterpiece American Idiot, "Jesus of Suburbia." Now, the significance of that isn't the fact that Green Day is going to have a new video, or the fact that releasing five singles off of one album is rare these days. The significance lies in the fact that the video is 14 minutes long!

According to reports, Billie Joe Armstrong, the band's lead singer, has dubbed it "the new thriller." For those of you who just can't wait to see it, "Jesus of Suburbia" is slated to hit the airwaves by the end of next month.

Moving on to more news in the world of Rock, Motley Crue drummer, movie star, and disappointing solo artist, Tommy Lee, was transported to a hospital in Wyoming Wednesday night after getting injured during a Motley Crue performance in Casper, Wyoming.

According to a witness, the drummer appeared to be injured when sparks from the show's pyrotechnics shot toward him, possibly causing burns. Though the injury remains unknown, it occurred near the end of the Crue's set. Miraculously, Lee finished out the last two songs before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Even more amazing was the fact that there was a concert actually held in Casper, Wyoming.

In the world of hip-hop, the biggest story lies within Kanye West and his "Touch the Sky" tour which kicked off earlier this week in Miami, Florida. One of the more notable opening acts for the tour, Common, announced hours before the show's opening that he will not be venturing out with West and his GOOD music cohorts.

Apparently, the socially conscious rapper just recently landed a major role in an upcoming film which has left no room in his schedule for things like, say, major north American tours. It was then announced that no one will replace him, while the other three acts, West, former American Idol winner Fantasia, and Keyshia Cole will just go on with longer sets.

While most news is bad news, especially when it comes to 50 Cent, it is nice to hear something good happen for a change, and that is exactly what Curtis Jackson did this week. Mr. Cent and his fellow G-Unit practitioner, Young Buck, announced this week that they will be dispersing two grants through 50's G-Unity organization.

The first grant will go to Nashville Alliance for Public Education and will help assist students' academic performances. The second grant will go to Houston's Teach for America. Here, the $100,000 will help assist the organization's Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Finally, speaking of Katrina and the countless relief efforts that have been made over the past month, this coming Monday, a group of artists will release "Come Together Now," a charity single aimed to raise money for relief down south. Some of the artists on the track will include The Game, Joss Stone, John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Jesse McCartney, and Ruben Studdard. Interestingly enough, the track was co-written by none other than actress Sharon Stone. Who knew?

Until next time, keep listening...