Mike Epps
Photo: MTV News

ATLANTA — Ice Cube and Mike Epps have reunited for their fifth film together, "Lottery Ticket," which comes out next year. As Epps told us during the BET Hip-Hop Awards taping, he and the rap icon are actually supporting another star rapper in the movie: Bow Wow.

"Bow Wow and Brandon T. Jackson [are the stars]," Epps said. "Me and Cube are actually almost doing cameos in this movie. It's for Lil' Bow Wow and them. But we all help each other out in this business."

Earlier this year, Epps and Cube shot the movie "Janky Promoters," which also stars Young Jeezy. The movie, which centers on two shifty music promoters, has yet to be released while Cube and company have been negotiating the comedy's distribution. Meanwhile, Epps is releasing the comedy/rap LP Funny Bidness ... Da Album (October 27) as well as a new stand-up special, "Under Rated & Never Faded" (November 10).

On the BET red carpet, Epps, who hosted the show, said he was looking forward to seeing Cube, Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy. He was also itching to crack jokes at the expense of the celebrity audience.

"Hey, man, I'm cracking everybody," he warned with a grin. "I gotta keep it secret [who I'm going to target]. ... It's gonna be family fun. Everybody knows the inside jokes of everybody around here. It's gonna be fun, though."

Check out everything we've got on "Lottery Ticket" and "Janky Promoters."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

• Bow Wow
• Young Jeezy

Bow Wow
Photo: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images

Bow Wow took to UStream and Twitter on Sunday night to make the big announcement he'd been teasing his fans with for some time: "It's official, I'm a Cash Money Millionaire," he told his thousands of viewers and followers.

The rapper had parted ways with his longtime label, Columbia Records, earlier this year. In previous Twitter dispatches, he explained he was deciding between two recording options: T.I.'s Grand Hustle camp through Atlantic Records or relaunching So So Def when Jermaine Dupri signed a new deal.

In the end, a third option emerged.

"We had two sit-downs," Bow Wow said of meeting with Cash Money. "Upon the first sit-down, I called [co-CEO Birdman] and told him what I wanted to do. So it was a no-brainer. He was like, 'Bow, you always been family. Next to Wayne, I look at you like my son. If you not with JD, you with us.' From there, it was a done deal. So I wanna thank [him], Slim and Wayne."

Bow Wow's addition to the Cash Money collective follows the announcement that Omarion had inked with Lil Wayne's Young Money imprint. The two moves, along with Drake's signing, are a far cry from the label's early days when the Hot Boyz — a cast that included Wayne, Juvenile, B.G. and Young Turk — were the central act. Now, with a stable of rapping matinee idols, the crew boasts a lineup as deep as any label.

"We all want to win, and in order to do that, we have to cover all bases," Bow said. "With me coming to Cash Money, I bring something to the table that hasn't been there in their history. I bring the whole Hollywood side, from that perspective."

Bow Wow said he'll also continue to work with mentor Jermaine Dupri. "He's always gonna be there right by my side," Bow said.

Next up, the rapper said he'll release the Greenlight mixtape, followed by a single in late November and a new album tentatively set for release by the end of the year.

• Bow Wow

Jermaine Dupri and Bow Wow perform at the <i>New Jack City II</i> album release party in New York on Tuesday
Photo: Jerritt Clark/ Getty Images

NEW YORK — Bow Wow may have left the "Lil" behind, but his concert on Tuesday night proved that the rapper is still a hit with screaming young girls. Bow celebrated the release of New Jack City II with a party at Santos Party House.

While most artists opt for 21-and-older venues with V.I.P sections for their album-release festivities, Bow Wow decided to give back to his fans with a special public concert hosted by MySpace.

Fans were packed behind barricades waiting to get into the show on the chilly night, but most didn't seem to mind.

One fan, Stella, said she's been a Bow Wow fan ever since she can remember and already "loves" the new album. "I love all of the songs. I just love Bow Wow!" she screamed.

Another fan, Jada Newman, referred to Bow Wow as her "husband" and swore she was the MC's "number-one fan."

The love between Bow Wow and his fans is mutual.

"If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here." he told MTV News on the red carpet. "To have seven album and be 22 [years old], that means a lot ... and it's only right that I invite [the fans] and MySpace and everybody out here. I'm just happy to be a part of the whole situation," he said.

Photographers flashed away at the young artist as he arrived at around 10 p.m., dressed in a black hoodie and black baseball cap, paired with the traditional rap uniform: baggy jeans and bling. Bow kept his sunglasses on for photos while joking he was covering up a black eye.

Bow Wow promised a more grown-up sound on New Jack City II and hailed it as his favorite of the seven studio albums he's released.

"[There's] nothing like current music, that's always the key and I'm just happy to have music that represents me."

Inside, Bow Weezy hit the stage armed with the swagger and confidence of older MCs, but he was met with the kind of crying and shrieking you might see at a Jonas Brothers concert.

"How many of you guys have the new album?" The fans responded in excitement and Bow Wow proceeded to dedicate the next song to T.I. On the new album Bow Wow collaborates with T.I. for the upbeat track, "Been Doin' This."

The screams only got louder when mentor/ producer Jermaine Dupri joined Bow Wow onstage. The duo continued to put their beef to rest and performed the hits "Rock the Mic" and the remix version of "Oh I Think They Like Me." While JD stepped aside to enjoy the music from offstage, Bow Wow forged on with "Fresh Azimiz," as well as songs from his new album.

Onstage, Bow-Wow teased the crowd with his smile and his muscles, wiping sweat from his brow and throwing the towel into the audience. "How many of ya'll have been rocking with me since day one?" he asked the crowd. Not only did the question get a screaming response, but Bow Wow put down his mic and the crowd sang the lyrics to "Bounce With Me" from his debut LP, Beware of Dog.

So what's left for Bow Wow after seven albums, movies and legions of screaming fans?

"What's next? Getting more money, I guess," he laughed.

• Bow Wow

Bow Wow
Photo: MTV News

When Bow Wow decided to name his new album New Jack City II, the title was met with a few raised eyebrows. While he's dropped the "Lil' " from his name, some people weren't ready to hear Bow Wow rapping about the 1991 movie's subject matter: the influence of crack cocaine in inner-city communities.

But Bow Wow insists he's not going there.

"It has nothing to do with the action they were doing in the movie," Bow said. "It has nothing to do with drugs or me trying to be hard or get that certification. ... The reason why I named the album that is just based on the brotherhood and the friendship of ['New Jack City' characters] G-Money and Nino Brown — the friendship and how it's similar to me and JD's situation."

Bow compared his and Jermaine Dupri's success at So So Def to that of "the Carter" in the movie. The Carter was an apartment complex in the movie that Brown, played by Wesley Snipes, and his gang transformed into a crack house. He said the two were able to feed their friends and family, just like him and Dupri.

Brown eventually kills his best friend G-Money, played by Allen Payne, and Bow said that he and Dupri let business come between them as well. "We had our ups and downs, we had our arguments, our disagreements, but it's normal, it's pretty much normal," said Bow.

The MC compared it to when a teenager thinks he's ready to make his own decisions and ends up bumping his head and coming back home, humbled. "It just came to that point," Bow explained. "I went out there and bumped my head, and my third album [Unleashed] didn't do as good as the other ones."

New Jack City II, which dropped Tuesday (March 31), is a continuation of the film, Bow said. If Nino Brown hadn't killed G-Money, the two would have continued to make money. "[Unleashed] sold 800,000 records, but it wasn't a million. It wasn't 3 million like my first one, and it wasn't 2 million like my second. So I learned from that. Got back with JD, and the next two albums sold over a million records, so you know, it shows."

Bow also said he wasn't worried about the fact that this is his first album with a Parental Advisory label. "When I first came out, my fans were my age," Bow said. "My fans now are probably 21, 22 years old."

Lil Wayne, T.I. and Swizz Beatz are all featured on the album, which was another reason for the Parental Advisory. "I really did that for them, 'cause I didn't want to hold them back from being the artists that they are and for what y'all like them for and respect them for," he said. "So I let them get on my album and do what it is that they do."

• Bow Wow
• Jermaine Dupri

Fabolous
Photo: Arnold Turner/ WireImage

March Madness is now official. On Sunday, all the teams were picked for the yearly college-basketball mecca, the NCAA Tournament.

For basketball fans, the tournament is the highest of the high. It doesn't get any better than watching 64 teams play night after night until one team stands as the victor. Even non-fans get into March Madness, choosing which teams will make it the farthest in hopes of winning the office pool.

Just like everyone else, your favorite MCs will have their game faces on as they cheer their teams to victory or just enjoy a great game they have no vested interest in.

Bow Wow has been watching the college b-ball season closely, even while he's been on the road. He said he was blown away just days ago by the Big East Tournament game between the Orangemen and the Huskies.

"My favorite moment had to be Syracuse and UConn's six-overtime game," he said via e-mail. "I was on a promotional tour promoting my new album when I saw it."

Capone-N-Noreaga were on the same wavelength when thinking back to their favorite NCAA Tournament moments.

"When [University of Michigan player] Chris Webber called a timeout back in the '93 tournament finals and [his team] didn't have one [left]," Capone recalled. "He blew the game. I watched the game in my crib. It was funny as hell, 'cause I did the same thing when I was playing ball as a youngster. Years later, Chris became my homeboy. I always wanted to ask him what he was thinking."

"My most memorable moment was definitely back in 1993 when Chris Webber held the ball and called a timeout and there wasn't one," Capone's partner Nore said. "I was at home, pi--ed!"

Fabolous' favorite tournament moment is way fonder than his NYC peers'. Fab appreciated the high-scoring hit men from Nevada back during the 1989-90 season. Anchored by soon-to-be NBA great Larry Johnson and future pro star-turned-greater commentator Greg Anthony, the UNLV squad was amazing.

"My favorite moment was seeing the UNLV Runnin' Rebels win the title against Duke," Fab said. "They were my favorite team and had an all-star lineup. I loved their run-and-gun-style of play. You couldn't stop them."

The NCAA Tournament begins Thursday, and you can check back throughout the week for more of your favorite stars' memories of games past and picks for the 2009 tourney.

• Fabolous
• Bow Wow
• Capone -N- Noreaga

Bow Wow
Photo: MTV News

A number of questions have been raised in the wake of the alleged altercation between Chris Brown and Rihanna on February 8. One of the biggest questions has been how Brown's arrest will affect his image and, ultimately, his career.

Bow Wow told MTV News on Wednesday that Brown's career shouldn't be of any concern: "I just want people to know that as entertainers, our job is to entertain."

He said it's difficult to judge how this will affect Brown's career, but fans should understand that he's no different than anybody else. As artists, they have a responsibility to make records, tour and please fans, but they are still human. "We're not perfect," Bow said. "We put our pants on the same way everybody else puts their pants on."

Bow Wow said he's good friends with Brown, but he decided not to reach out to him. "I always like to put myself in people's shoes," he said. "I understand probably what he's going through by the whole world knowing what happened. I don't want to be another [person] calling him and wanting to talk to him."

Brown enjoyed a squeaky-clean image and seemed to never be without a smile, and e was a triple threat as a singer, dancer and actor. But the allegations have already affected him professionally. Brown has had to cancel shows and appearances and has lost ads with Wrigley's Doublemint Gum and the "Got Milk?" campaign.

Bow Wow said the best thing for Brown and Rihanna is privacy and for fans to pray. "The only thing you could really do is just pray for him and pray for her and hope that they can get back on their two feet and do what we love them for doing," he said.

Get resources and information about domestic violence, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse.

• Bow Wow

Bow Wow
Photo: MTV News

Bow Wow knows all too well the scrutiny that the media can put on a young high-profile couple, after his very public relationship with Ciara. He explained to MTV News that when he first heard about the alleged incident between Chris Brown and Rihanna, he thought it was a rumor.

"The first thing that came to mind was that it was a story," Bow Wow said, before explaining that you really can't believe everything you read on blogs and various Web sites. "I've been in the game for a long time. I've been in a high-profile relationship before, so I understand. I think that the best thing that needs to happen for the both of them is that they just need the space."

He added that people should take both artists' feelings into consideration.

"You got so many people that want to say this and say that. You have a publicist. She has a publicist. It's tough, because to you, this is my 'wifey' and I'm her 'dude,' but to the public they are superstars."

He went on to say that this situation is no different than that of any other normal couple, and the two involved should get the respect that they deserve.

"My momma always told me that it's best that if it ain't your business, stay out of it — so I wish them the best. I hope that they bounce back and get back to what we know them for doing, and that's putting out good music."

He has not had the chance to speak to either party, but thinks that another opinion is the last thing either artist probably wants right now.

"He probably don't want to hear that, right ... she probably doesn't want to hear that either. Her birthday just passed," he continued. "You just really have to let them live."

• Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love In Trouble
• Chris Brown And Rihanna: The Aftermath

• Rihanna And Chris Brown: A Photo Timeline

• Bow Wow
• Rihanna
• Chris Brown

Bow Wow
Photo: Mike Coppola/ FilmMagic

Bow Wow knows what it's like to be in the spotlight as a young artist in a high-profile relationship with another singer (in his case, Ciara), and he knows how intense the media glare can be.

But he also reportedly told OK! magazine that while he hasn't spoken to former tour mate Chris Brown or Rihanna since their alleged altercation on the eve of the Grammys, which resulted in Brown's arrest on suspicion of making criminal threats, he was shocked by the picture that leaked last week showing Rihanna bruised and battered following the alleged incident.

"Just shocking," Bow Wow reportedly told the magazine. "I mean, we heard what happened but we really didn't get a visual for it. But I mean, hey, man. The picture speaks for itself."

The rapper, promoting his latest album, New Jack City II, said that when he first heard about the alleged incident, he was skeptical. "I mean, being in the business, the first thing is, 'Ah, it's false, another rumor, bloggers just wanting to have traffic to their site,' " he said. "But when the story was unfolding, it was kind of shocking to all. Chris is a good friend of mine. We've had the opportunity to tour together. And then Rihanna, she's just a beautiful person. Period. Never done no wrong to nobody."

But Bow Wow, who was the target of much speculation during his teenage romance with Ciara, pleaded for the singers' privacy until the facts of the case are more well known.

"I've been in a high profile relationship before and I know how it feels when everybody's in your business," he said. "It just puts more pressure. And the only way they're going to get over the situation is just to let them deal with it. And that's what I really want to do. I'm praying for them both.

"At the end of the day," he continued, "I've always believed in whatever happens with people's business ... my mom always told me don't get into [it]. And the situation is so major I think they just need their space and I think they need to deal with it."

A spokesperson for Bow Wow confirmed that the rapper spoke to the magazine.

Bow Wow's comments came on the same day that Ne-Yo told MTV News that he had spoken to Rihanna and said she was "fine," and that he wants to speak to Brown about the situation.

• Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love In Trouble
• Chris Brown And Rihanna: The Aftermath

• Rihanna And Chris Brown: A Photo Timeline

• Bow Wow
• Rihanna
• Chris Brown

Miley Cyrus performs at "Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future"
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Decked out in a very formal red gown, Miley Cyrus kicked off the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future" concert while the future first lady, Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha sat in the audience snapping pictures of the 16-year-old Disney star.

Jamie Foxx, who led a sing-along of "America the Beautiful," told the crowd, "You are the future. And from what I can see, the future looks good!"

Cyrus returned to the stage in more casual clothes to sing her anti-paparazzi ode "Fly on the Wall" and her hit song "See You Again." The audience, filled with members of the military and their families, cheered very loudly when Billy Ray Cyrus joined his daughter onstage for "Ready, Set, Don't Go."

(Check out photos of Miley, Bow Wow and others from the show.)

George Lopez then took the stage, introducing Pop Week rookie Keke Palmer. Rosario Dawson reiterated to the audience members, "You are the future. Own that," before introducing Demi Lovato to the very excited crowd.

Lovato pumped the crowd up with her song "Get Back." Sporting skinny jeans and a sequined blazer, she told the crowd, "It is a complete honor to be here. You guys are amazing." She then kicked into her single "La La Land." Soon after, Joe Biden's granddaughter Naomi took the stage to introduce "her nana" Jill Biden, who described the vets in the crowd as "true American heroes" before introducing Michelle Obama. The kids in the crowd seemed to have a stronger reaction for Obama than they did for teen queens Demi and Miley.

"You are the future of this great nation," Michelle Obama told the audience. "We wanted to thank the thousands stationed around the world to keep our nation safe. [We] are so grateful for the service and sacrifice. We join you all ... praying for your loved ones."

Lucy Liu reminded the crowd: "Let's promise not to forget so many of the young people around the world who share the same hopes and dreams," before Corbin Bleu came out to do his Michael Jackson-inspired performance.

Queen Latifah introduced some families who got the chance to send love and well-wishes to their relatives currently serving abroad. Bow Wow sang "Marco Polo," minus Soulja Boy Tell'em. Before performing "Thank You," he asked the fans to raise a cell phone or glow stick to set the mood.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Usher recited some of King's "I Have a Dream" speech and took a moment to thank the troops for their service.

The last performance of the night was the Jonas Brothers. The Obama girls smiled ear to ear when the JoBros played a rocked-up version of "Lovebug" and their new single "Tonight." They definitely took the house down when they sang "Burnin' Up" as the show's big finale, during which the Jonases brought Sasha and Malia onstage with them.

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

• 'Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future' Concert: Highlights

• 'Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future' Concert In Washington, D.C.

• Miley Cyrus
• Jonas Brothers
• Demi Lovato
• Bow Wow

The Jonas Brothers
Photo: Gregg DeGuire/ WireImage

Demi Lovato calls it a "huge honor" to be a part of the Kids' Inaugural Concert on Monday. But, the "Sonny with a Chance" star is hoping that by the time the show rolls around, she'll have calmed her nerves calmed.

"I'm ridiculously nervous, to a point where I don't know what I'll be able to do with myself," the 16-year-old told TVGuide.com, adding that she'll be performing her songs "Get Back" and "La-La Land." "I hope I don't fall!

"It's not just another president," the Disney star added (as if she's been around for other inaugurations). "It's Obama."

Also on hand for the concert will be , Bow Wow, Usher, as well as Sasha and Malia Obama's favorites, the Jonas Brothers, who also said they're honored to be part of the weekend's celebration. The concert is being hosted by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, and will take place at the Verizon Center.

"It's absolutely an honor to be able to perform," Nick said. "What we're doing [with this concert] is for the children and families of the military. We could not have been more thrilled to do that specifically."

According to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the show's audience will consist of active-duty, reserve, guard and injured members of the military and their families, as well as families of fallen soldiers. It will air on the Disney Channel at 8 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, Nick's older brother Kevin, had more selfish reasons for signing up for the concert. "I know there's a bowling alley [in the White House]," Kevin joked. "I just want to hang out!"

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.

• Jonas Brothers
• Demi Lovato
• Usher
• Bow Wow
• Miley Cyrus

Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Mary J. Blige And More Come Out For Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash 2009

• Lil Wayne
• Trey Songz
• Plies
• Shawty Lo
• Pleasure P

MTV.com Exclusive: Bow Wow

• Bow Wow

Young Jeezy's "Presidential Status" Inaugural Ball

• Young Jeezy
• Jay-Z
• T.I.
• Wale
• Bow Wow

Chris Brown, Bow Wow, Lil Mama, Soulja Boy Rock Madison Square Garden

• Chris Brown
• Bow Wow
• Lil Mama
• Soulja Boy Tell'em

Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Pete Wentz, More At New York Premiere Of "I Am Legend"

• Bow Wow
• Omarion
• Mary J. Blige
• Fall Out Boy

MTV.com Exclusive Omarion and Bow Wow

• Bow Wow
• Omarion

Fergie, Lauren Conrad, Chingy, Kelly Clarkson, More On The 2007 Teen Choice Awards Red Carpet

• Kelly Clarkson
• Fergie
• Chingy
• Bow Wow
• Omarion

Snoop, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, More Live At Powerhouse 2007

• Snoop Dogg
• Lil Wayne
• Ludacris
• Mims
• Bow Wow

Grammy Parties: Scarlett, Christina, Justin, Katharine And More

• Timbaland
• Nelly Furtado
• Natasha Bedingfield
• JC Chasez
• Rich Boy

The Week In Pictures For February 2, 2007

• Fall Out Boy
• Bow Wow
• Ciara
• The Police
• Pretty Ricky