producer Dallas Austin has been detained in a Dubai prison for allegedly transporting illegal drugs into the Arab country.

According to the New York Daily News, the producer was traveling to model Naomi Campbell's birthday party last month when he was incarcerated.

The report did not indicate what illicit drugs the producer was accused of holding.

Austin has crafted beats for the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Brandy, TLC, Aretha Franklin, the Indigo Girls and Boyz II Men, Fishbone and owns Rowdy Records.

Campbell's celebration was held over the course of three-days at the Burj Al Arab hotel. Dubai has very little tolerance for illicit drugs.

According to the Dubai government's official website, penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal substances can result in jail sentences for the offender.

In extreme cases, the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers is imposed, while possession of small quantities of various drugs can result in length jail sentences.

Representatives for Austin weren't available for comment at press time.

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After selling out New York's RadioCityMusic Hall, Jay-Z is scheduled to hold a preview to his Reasonable Doubt 10-year anniversary celebration at the Nokia Theatre the day before (June 24th).

Reports say tickets for the album's celebration sold out in 5 minutes and are now being scalped for up to $3,000. Heads who didn't get a chance to purchase tickets will get a chance to catch a show at the Nokia Theatre this Saturday. According to Power 105.1 radio personality Egypt, the show will serve as a special preview to Sunday's Concert. The two shows will not be a replica of one another. Tickets go on sale today at 5 p.m. and can only be purchased through tickmasters.

In related news, Jigga is to change all his Crystal-promoting lyrics during Sunday's performance. Hov recently boycotted Cris at his 40/40 club after the drink's managing director Federic Rouzard said the rap community's support was "unwelcome attention."

Hov is also slated to launch an international tour starting in the UK this September. Though dates have yet to be confirmed, Jay will perform in Kenya, France, Nigeria, Ireland, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, UAE, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Ghana, Angola, South Africa, China, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.
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Nelly and his St. Lunatics crew will open a new bar and grill in August in Hazelwood.
The new restaurant, called Mack's Bar and Grill, was originally slated for an April opening but was pushed back because the rappers were waiting for Mack's manager, Tony Powell, to finish his work as a chef and manager at Azio, an Italian restaurant in Atlanta.

As a result of the delay, the Hazelwood City Council is expected to extend a special land-use permit for Mack's next month, according to city officials.

The restaurant, which takes its name from the first letters of theowners' names - Murphy Lee, Ali, Slodown, Kyjuan and Cornell, Nelly's first name, is now scheduled to open August 10 at 6827 Howdershell Road.

Powell is confident Macks's will become a staple in Hazelwood's food community.

"I am very excited about this," Powell told the St. Louis Post Dispatch. "I am pretty sure this will go smooth. St. Louis seems to support bars."

Mack's is the latest nonmusical venture for Nelly, who also owns a clothing line and is part owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats basketball team.

The 3,500 square foot eatery will hold 150 people and seat 74. It will also contain several televisions that will mostly show sports programs, said Powell, who expects Mack's to become a popular establishment because of its high-profile owners.

The group got the idea to open the restaurant from St. Lunatic member Ali, said Mike Chaffin, Nelly's business manager.

The facility's walls will be decorated with items and pictures of the Nelly and the St. Lunatics as well as items from St. Louis sports teams - the Cardinals, Rams and Blues.

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Toy company Mezco Toyz has announced a set of new action figures honoring slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. as well as rap icons Public Enemy with 9" replicas of the rappers.
Mezco, founded in 2000, has produced the first Notorious B.I.G. figure ever released. B.I.G., was gunned down in front of the Petersen Automotive Museum in March 1997.

The rapper is featured in the trademark white cloth suit worn in his last hit video "Hypnotized," along with a removable hat, replicated jewelry and a cane, which he was using due to an accident that shattered his leg shortly before his untimely demise.

Public Enemy also has been embodied in a 9" action figure. Chuck D. comes with a gold chain, signature jacket and hat and is featured posing with his fist in the air. Public Enemy hypeman and rapper Flavor Flav is featured showing off his signature gold teeth, along with various accessories including his sunglasses and jewelry.

The new dolls come on the heels of Mezco Toyz' worldwide success with their 2002 run of licensed Run-DMC dolls that featured Run, DMC and the late Jam Master Jay.

Notorious B.I.G. and Flavor Flav dolls are expected to begin shipping in fall of 2006 on Mezco Toyz' official website, www.mezcotoyz.com.

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