Black Music Notes December 31

• 12/31/08: Diddy / Derek Luke
  With the release of eagerly anticipated Notorious B.I.G. biopic 'Notorious' set to hit theaters nationwide on January 16, some fans are beginning to wonder who would be the perfect fit to portray the slain rapper's good friend Sean "Diddy" Combs for his very own full-length film. Well, the multi-faceted hip hop mogul himself already has someone in mind should a Diddy flick ever be made. "Everybody always asked me who I wanted to play me if anyone ever played me, and I said Derek Luke," Diddy recently revealed to 'MTV News' while on the set of 'CSI: Miami.' "So that's why I called [Derek] to play me in 'Notorious.' I felt like he could really represent me well." Although there aren't any plans of a possible Diddy movie in the works, Combs is still Hollywood swinging. The 'Monsters' Ball' star will be making an appearance as a defense attorney on a upcoming episode of 'CSI: Miami,' set to air on February 9 and 16 on CBS.
  
  
  
  

• 12/31/08: Dru Hill
  Platinum-selling R&B group Dru Hill are reportedly back in the studio recording their fourth studio album, entitled 'InDrupendence Day.' Group members SisQo, Nokio, Jazz, and new member Tao are scheduled to release the album's first single, 'If You Fall' to radio in early 2009. After reuniting earlier this year, the 'In My Bed' singers decided it was time to go back into the studio and according to their spokesperson this time around they entered without outside influences but they all brought their individual talents to the table. And that's not all; the chart toppers recently finished the taping of their highly anticipated reality show, entitled 'Platinum House,' which will be announced in the near future. As of press time there is no release date set for 'InDrupendence Day.'
  
  
  
  

• 12/31/08: India. Arie
  Grammy Award-winning neo-soul diva India.Arie is set to release her second volume of her 'Testimony' album series entitled, 'Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics.' According to 'Billboard,' the 15 track opus features fellow neo-soul artist Musiq Soulchild and Jamaican roots artist Gramps Morgan on the album's lead single 'Chocolate High.' Feb. 10 is the date 'Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics' is expected to arrive in stores.
  
  
  
  

• 12/31/08: Jennifer Hudson
  Despite remaining secluded since the heinous October murders of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, Academy Award-winning actress/singer Jennifer Hudson will take the stage for the first time as part of the Recording Academy's "MusiCares Person of the Year" gala. The February 6 event will honor veteran singer/songwriter Neil Diamond, and will feature Hudson singing one of Diamond's songs, alongside a number of other contemporary singers paying homage to the 'Sweet Caroline' crooner.
  
  
  
  

• 12/31/08: RZA / Rihanna
  Since the announcement of Samuel L. Jackson being selected to play the role of Sho'nuff in the forthcoming remake of the 1985 flick 'The Last Dragon,' everyone wants to know who will be filling the shoes of the sultry Laura Charles (originally played by former Prince protégé Vanity). How about international Pop superstar Rihanna? Before we get too excited, that would be the ideal leading lady if the film's co-producer RZA had his way. "That's the one I'm rooting for," the Wu Tang Clan founder revealed in a recent interview. "We're keeping that same concept of the girl being in the music business [but] we're not gonna take it back to the '80s. We're gonna try it a few years ahead," he revealed.