MICHAEL JACKSON made a special effort to party at the weekend - so he could convince rap superhero SEAN 'P DIDDY' COMBS to help resurrect his ailing career.

The pair met at a private party at Hollywood producer BOB EVANS' home over the weekend, and insiders say Jacko, who's been plagued with reports of financial disaster, convinced golden boy Diddy to make a record with him.

One source reveals to British paper THE DAILY STAR, "Michael wants to resurrect his career and he's counting on PUFFY to help him do it. Michael doesn't like going out much but one reason he went to the party was because he knew Puffy would be there.

"Jacko and Puffy spent more than an hour chatting and made plans to go into the studio and lay down some tracks later this month.

"Michael's career is nowhere near where it used to be and he's hoping Puffy can help him reclaim his throne as King of Pop.

"He's very excited at the prospect of working with Puffy and is sure it will lead to a huge hit record for them both." __________________________________________
Controversial rapper EMINEM has been offered $2.25 million-per-episode to make his own TV show.

American TV bosses - desperate for a hit to replace smash comedy series SEX AND THE CITY - believe the foul-mouthed hip-hop star fits the bill.

Sources at network HBO claim the program would be both "controversial and raunchy".

Eminem, 30 - real name MARSHALL MATHERS - took the best actor prize at Saturday's MTV MOVIE AWARDS in Los Angeles for his part in 8 MILE, and admits he's keen to take on more acting roles.

A Hollywood insider says, "Eminem proved he can act with 8 Mile and he's already huge in the music industry. It makes sense for HBO to want him.

"HBO wants a big hit to replace Sex And The City, which is ending after this season."

TV chiefs reportedly want the Em to play a character similar to himself.
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Recent talk on the street is that The Source magazine's editorial department is changing its direction, attempting to diversify its content by giving "underground artists" like Little Brother and dead prez accolades previously reserved for cover-worthy, mainstream acts. Fans speculate on the reason for the apparent change, citing the Eminem, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre boycott of the mag, a backlash over editorial integrity, Benzino's personal battles and their much publicized beef with XXL. Not so says Source Music Editor, Gotti. "We give credit where credit is due."

Positive coverage of what some call "conscious, "underground" or "alternative" hip-hop -- something fans of the mag have complained about for years -- appears to be taking place notably with high mic ratings, quotables and features devoted to dead prez and North Carolina's native tongue throwback Little Brother. In the past, lesser known artists have rarely received high mic ratings or even been featured. Underground staples like J-Live, Cali Agents and Dilated Peoples never received more than 3.5 mics while groups like Non-Phixion weren't rated at all. At the same time, these same artists have often received much higher ratings in other publications.

Since their March issue -- the first time they've been outsold by XXL, The Source appears to be giving more props to conscious/underground artists. The aforementioned J-Live was featured among "sureshot singles" in March 2003 and Little Brother was awarded 4 mics and their "standout emcee", Phonte received the "hip hop quotable," only noting the second time an independent artist received the honor. Revolutionary emcees dead prez only received 3.5 mics for their debut, Let's Get Free, an opus that many consider a classic. In The Source's July issue, dp received 4.5 mics and M-1 got credited with a "hip hop quotable."

Despite chatter from speculators, The Source contends there is no change as they've always strived to provide a diverse range of coverage for the entire Hip-Hop community. And to the question of whether the high mic ratings for dead prez and Little Brother are "political," Gotti says no. "Good music is undeniable," Gotti told SOHH.com. "The Source's recent ratings for so called "underground" albums by Lil Brother (4 mics) and dead prez (4 1/2 mics) are simply a testament to the magazine's continued dedication to accurately covering all aspects of hip-hop music and culture."
( - insert sacastic statement of you choice here - Too little, too late, Source)

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Following in Jay-Z's footsteps, 50 Cent has entered into a long term partnership with Reebok, that will include his own signature line of footwear, the “G-Unit Collection by RBK.”

An initial launch will take place this fall with limited distribution and will go nationwide in early 2004.

"Reebok's Rbk Collection is the real thing when it comes to connecting with street and hip-hop culture," 50 Cent said. "I want to be part of it and use my name and attitude to help influence the feel and vibe of the gear."

50 and Reebok are developing a nationwide marketing and advertising campaign to launch the sneaker. According to a press release issued by Reebok, fans may received a special 50 Cent CD single with the purchase of the shoe for a limited time.