DJ AM
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images

Just months after her son died from a drug overdose, DJ AM's mother is picking up the late musician's lawsuit against the airline whose crash nearly killed him, claiming the two events are related.

Andrea Gross, the mother of Adam Goldstein, has amended her son's $20 million lawsuit against the manufacturer of the Learjet that crashed upon takeoff in September 2008 with Goldstein and Travis Barker onboard. Also named in the lawsuit are the estates of the deceased pilots and others. According to a People report, Los Angeles court papers show that Gross has added a wrongful-death claim to her son's lawsuit.

"The crash ultimately caused Adam Goldstein's death at a later date," the document reads.

A trial is set for March 2, with Learjet continuing to deny responsibility for the crash.

DJ AM and Blink-182 drummer Barker were flying out of Columbia, South Carolina, in the early morning of September 19, 2008, following an event with Perry Farrell and Gavin DeGraw. After sparks emanated from the plane, it crashed through a fence and caught fire, killing the pilots and four others. DJ AM and Barker miraculously escaped, although they were badly burned.

After seemingly making a full recovery, DJ AM was found dead almost a year later to the day in his New York City apartment. Later that month, the New York medical examiner determined that Goldstein's death was an accidental overdose caused by a variety of legal and illegal drugs in his system.

It is presumed that Gross will cite the 2008 plane crash as leaving DJ AM in so much pain that he sought relief through the various drugs. In the months since his death, several of DJ AM's friends and supporters have similarly blamed his death on the trauma he suffered from the crash.

• DJ AM

DJ AM and 23-year-old heroin addict Amy
Photo: MTV

There's a reason DJ AM had a knowing look on his face when he met 23-year-old heroin addict Amy in the first episode of the late celebrity DJ's MTV intervention program, "Gone Too Far." He'd been there himself, and that's why he signed on to host the eight-part series that kicked off on Monday night with the harrowing tale of the fellow Philly native whose descent into heroin addiction had nearly cost her her life and her family.

From age 19 until his mid-20s, AM (born Adam Goldstein) tells Amy, he had been where she is and he wants to help Amy get clean so she can avoid the pain caused by her own father, who was also a heroin addict and died as a result of his drug use. The show, which has the blessing of AM's family following his death in August from an accidental drug overdose, shows the DJ driving around his old hometown and meeting with Amy's family, who called him for help with her out-of-control drug use.

"Heroin has destroyed my life," Amy tells the camera in the show's first scene, which is followed by a meeting between AM and Amy's younger sister, Meghan. Meghan laments that though they used to be inseparable, once Amy began using heroin, "all of a sudden she was gone." Meghan described how the girls' dad — a lifelong addict who sometimes walked into the room with a needle sticking out of his neck — died when they were kids, and how she fears Amy is going down the same path. Older brother Joe tells an equally sordid tale, describing how Amy has stolen his children's baseball cards and thousands of dollars in cash from him to feed her addiction, forcing him to install a sequence of locks in the family's house to keep his sister from robbing him.

With a calm, caring demeanor that clearly puts them at ease, AM sympathizes with Amy's family while strongly pushing them to get her into a proper treatment program. "I can't cure addiction, but what I can do is offer Amy a chance at a different life," AM says into the camera before meeting Amy. He tells her about his own father's death from AIDS after a lifetime of drug abuse and how it threw him into a drug spiral.

Showing off the red, swollen injection sites on her hands, Amy breaks down. "It just sucks, because I know I'm better than this, that I used to be a good person, and I don't want to live like this the rest of my life," she ways, admitting that she knows her using will either land her in jail or in a grave.

"I promise you, you can be freed of that," AM tells her. "Because I swear to you there is another life."

After meeting with Amy's family, AM stages the intervention at the family's house, during which Amy is clearly uncomfortable about the idea of entering a treatment program. Though the trip to the California facility is a difficult one — an agitated Amy lashes out about not getting a chance to get high one more time and insists that a friend bring her some drugs before she boards an airplane — she does eventually agree to give rehab a try. Like many addicts detoxing at a facility, Amy wants to leave in the first few days and obsesses over thoughts of getting high again. She complains about the pain in her teeth — she needs five root canals — that she says is driving her to want to use again.

AM visits after Amy's first five days and is amazed at how bright-eyed she looks after less than a week. Following a trip to the dentist, an elated Amy returns to rehab for 40 days, during which she receives counseling and medical treatment, eventually moving to a sober living house outside the facility after nearly 50 days. When AM visits her at the sober house, along with her mother and sister, the family marvels at what a difference the trip to rehab has made.

"Now she's back all the way," Meghan says.

"I'm proud of you," AM tells her, handing Amy a customized iPod that has the inscription "don't pawn me" as well as some of his signature mixes. "It makes me so happy to see this. You're like a family again."

The episode ends seven weeks after AM and Amy's first meeting, as Amy praises AM for reaching out to a stranger and giving her a second chance at life. "He understood that I was in a circle that was way too deep," she says. "He didn't pass judgment on me, and he just took me underneath his wing and he helped me through the tough times that I had here. ... I never had anyone that didn't know me that well care that much about me."

Speaking following AM's death, Amy vows to keep his name alive. "You did help and touch lives," she says. "I want to make you proud. I don't want to throw this gift away."

For more information on how to get help for addiction, visit Think.MTV.com.

• Gone Too Far | Ep. 1 | Amy

• Gone Too Far | Ep. 1 | Amy

• DJ AM

Ice Cube arrives at the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

ATLANTA — At the Atlanta Civic Center, Young Jeezy — who often has high-profile guests to join him onstage — pulled off a huge move during the BET Hip-Hop Awards, kicking off the show by bringing out surprise guest Jay-Z. Hov and Young opened the show with "As Real As It Gets," with the two hip-hop heavyweights going back and forth on verses. With the audience on their feet by song's end, Jeezy said, "Welcome to Atlanta."

Jay later took home the MVP of the Year award, beating out such popular peers as Lil Wayne and Drake. Hov dedicated his win to Mr. Magic, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. "Brooklyn, we did it again," he said at the conclusion of his brief speech.

Other big winners announced during the show were Drake for Rookie of the Year and DJ AM for DJ of the Year.

Busta Rhymes stood in for the turntable great, who passed away in August. "I'm honored to accept this," he said. Rhymes also saluted his recently deceased personal DJ, Roc Raida, and pioneer Mr. Magic who formatted his New York radio show with 100 percent hip-hop in the 1980s.

DJ Drama was the house DJ, with DJ Khaled serving as the show's MC. Mike Epps, the show's host, did a short stand-up routine as he cracked the mic, clowning on everyone from Lil Mama to Snoop Dogg. And after Faboulous performed "Throw it in the Bag" and its remix with The-Dream, the crowd was treated with some throwback flavor.

As Fonzworth Bentley and the New Boyz announced the nominees for Rookie of the Year, legendary hip-hop duo Kid 'N Play made their way onstage. The Boyz had proclaimed to be rap's first two-man team to dance as well as rock the mic, prompting Kid 'N Play's entrance to "Rollin' With Kid and Play" to perform their signature dance.

One of the standout stars of the show was ATL's Gucci Mane, who performed several times throughout the night, changing into outfits that included his snow-white fur and jewelry pieces like his outrageous iced-out egg beater. Gucci first came out with Mario for "Break Up" and then took over the stage, bringing out Plies for "Wasted." Gucci also appeared with Soulja Boy, OJ Da Juiceman and a umbrella-toting Shawty Lo for "Gucci Bandana." Mr. Mane's night ended with Wale as they performed the stage debut of "Pretty Girls."

Snoop Dogg also logged multiple stage appearances, debuting his own new record, "Gangsta Luv," with The-Dream (transitioning into a finale of "Gin and Juice") and keeping the crowd on their feet during a surprise highlight, Dorrough's "Ice Cream Paint Job" remix — a remix that included the song's star as well as Jim Jones, Soulja Boy and Nipsey Hussle.

Ice Cube was honored with the I Am Hip-Hop award, with an introductory video that included a voice-over from Dr. Dre. "From that first rhyme he spit for me, I knew Cube was a star," Dre said. The award was presented to the former N.W.A member by Young Jeezy and Cube's favorite MC, Chuck D.

	The 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards

"Without Chuck D, we'd be on a real bad collision course," Cube said in his speech. The legendary trailblazer also called for the hip-hop nation to do "what we feel" and encouraged old b-boys to "keep doing your music" and not let anybody push them out. "As long as you got a tongue, you're not too old to rap," he added.

During breaks, BET showed videotaped packages of their now-famous "cypher" rap sessions. DJ Premier played a beat while three sets of MCs rapped. The first set included KRS-One and Wale, while the second set showcased Joe Budden and Nicki Minaj. The rhyme of the night went to Eminem, however — his session included Black Thought and Mos Def. Em hit a rapid-fire flow that addressed everything from sex to Barack Obama.

Veterans the Goodie Mob ended the night with powerful, high-octane renditions of their classics "Cell Therapy" and "Get Rich to This." It was the group's first televised reunion after nearly a decade apart and had the entire audience singing along in their hometown.

• Soulja Boy, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg And More At The 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards

• Ice Cube
• Young Jeezy
• Jay-Z
• Lil Wayne
• Drake

DJ AM at in home in L.A.
Photo: MTV News

DJ AM knew all too well about the daily struggle of drug addiction. The late celebrity spinner (born Adam Goldstein), who died of an accidental drug overdose in August at age 36, spent his last few months filming an MTV series called "Gone Too Far," in which he spoke candidly about his own addiction, his 11 years of sobriety and his desire to help other young addicts overcome their demons.

Now, with the consent and support of AM's family, MTV will begin airing the eight-episode documentary series on Monday, October 12. The one-hour show will air at 10 p.m. ET/PT and chronicle the lives of young addicts, ages 20-25, who are offered a chance at recovery.

Each episode features AM meeting with the addicts, their friends and families to discuss their willingness to change. The show was part of AM's long struggle to overcome substance abuse, and it follows his mission to help as many people as he could, using interviews and self-shot video from the addicts and their friends and families that expose the severity of their addiction and its devastating impact on their lives.

"After careful consideration we have decided to air the show," Goldstein's family said in a statement. "Adam felt strongly that by doing this series, he could help other addicts who were at a crisis point to get sober. Adam was fully aware that if it were not for his own sobriety, he never would have achieved the level of success and happiness he had found. Helping people in their recovery was a huge part of Adam's life. It is our hope through airing this show that people will get to see the side of Adam that we knew and loved, not just the celebrity DJ, but the honest and caring person who gave so much of himself to help others. The decision to air the show has been difficult, but we do this with the profound belief that it will inspire others to seek help."

During the course of filming segments for the show, AM often uncovered new information about the addicts that even those close to them were unaware of. He made time to check in during the course of their rehabilitation and provide a raw and honest look at their new sobriety.

"Recovery can be extremely difficult and requires constant attention," said Sean Clarkin, executive vice president of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. "But it's important to know that it is in fact possible to present examples of people who are recognizing the need for treatment and beginning that journey."

Viewers seeking additional information on substance abuse and addiction issues can log on to SubstanceAbuse.MTV.com for resources from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

• DJ AM

DJ Z-Trip
Photo: Rob Loud/ Getty Images

World-famous crowd-pleaser DJ Z-Trip will be the new resident DJ at the Rain nightclub in the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Friday nights, setting up his turntables on the night formerly run by his good friend, the late DJ AM. "Z-Trip's Revolution" will kick off on October 16 and the mixmaster told MTV News that after nearly 15 years of relentlessly touring the world, the timing was right for him to put down some roots for the Rain gig.

"I have done a couple of these in the past here and there, but it never really worked out because I'm always touring," he said. "They offered me this a while back and I couldn't commit because of scheduling, but this time I could make it work and I kind of wanted to make it work because traveling is great and I love it, but it's nice to be able to count on being home sometimes."

AM, who died of an accidental drug overdose last month, was the resident DJ on Friday nights at Rain, where he spun at the popular "Rain in the Desert" club night — but Z-Trip stressed that out of respect for AM and every other fallen DJ, he doesn't want to be thought of as taking over or replacing his fellow turntablist.

"We were friends and we knew each other and it's kind of hard — it's a tough subject," said Z-Trip, who has declined to speak on the topic until now. "I want people to understand that I'm not filling his spot or his shoes. I'm trying to do my own thing, but I'm not disrespecting his thing by not acknowledging it. There's no replacement for that person. I will most definitely shout him out, that's what hip-hop is based on. Every day I DJ in Vegas I'll be thinking about that dude, every day of my life. But the way I acknowledge him is the way I acknowledge all those who've fallen, like Roc Raida — it's not about one guy. Every time I get up and spin, I'm honoring and doing it for all the people who've fallen behind."

The weekly gig by the man known as the Godfather of Mash-Ups will feature artwork created exclusively by famed street artist Shepard Fairey, whose "Hope" posters in support of then-candidate Barack Obama were ubiquitous during last year's presidential election. "That's huge for me, because iconically I wanted to make sure this thing looked and felt like where I come from," he said. "He and I are from the same cloth. I always felt he does visually what I do audibly. He's one of my favorite contemporary artists."

In addition to manning the turntables himself on an almost weekly basis, Z-Trip (born Zach Sciacca) has lined up some guests to join him on some upcoming dates, including DJ P on October 30 and MSTRKRFT on November 13. He is currently scheduled to play the club on those dates, as well as November 6, December 4 and 31, January 8 and 22, and February 5 and 25. On the nights he's not there, celebrity guest DJs will step in to help, with the current roster including Will.I.Am (October 23), Jazzy Jeff (November 20), DJ Skribble (November 27) and DJ Vice (December 11).

"The concept behind the night was to bring other people in and make it be about the name of the night: revolution," Z-Trip explained. "It's about revolving and evolving, so, for me I want to keep things as open as possible." For that reason, Z-Trip will be setting up four turntables every night he's there, with an extra set for anyone who happens to be in the building who he wants to invite up.

Z-Trip, who is known for touring all over the world and opening for the Rolling Stones, was recently named America's Best DJ for 2009 by DJ Times magazine. He recently jammed on some new music with former House of Pain leader Everlast for a potential future project and completed work on remixes for the Beastie Boys and the Dead Weather. But the project he's most psyched about right now is his debut as an avatar in the "DJ Hero" video game, which also features three of his exclusive tracks.

"It's definitely weird," he said of the video game treatment. "When I started doing this, and every day along the way, I never envisioned these things could happen — I consider myself an underdog and to be in a video game, it's timeless, it encapsulates me. Any DJ would want that. Not just the vanity of it, but they are actually looking to DJs and stepped to the right DJs to push the game forward."

• DJ AM: A Life In Photos

• DJ AM

DJ AM
Photo: Rob Loud/ Getty Images

One month after DJ AM was found dead in his New York apartment, the city's medical examiner has announced a cause of death in the case. After a battery of toxicology tests, the New York City medical examiner's office has determined that AM's death was accidental and caused by acute intoxication brought on by a cocktail of prescription drugs and cocaine, a spokesperson from the office confirmed.

The toxicology report released on Tuesday says that the 36-year-old celebrity DJ (born Adam Goldstein) had cocaine; painkillers OxyContin and Vicodin; anti-anxiety meds Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax; the antihistamine Benadryl; and Levamisole (a drug used to cut cocaine) in his system when he was found dead on August 28.

AM was found shirtless and face down on his bed by police after a friend called 911 when AM did not leave on time for a scheduled flight to a gig. According to reports, a crack pipe and prescription pill bottles were found scattered around the apartment.

AM was reportedly taking anti-anxiety medication as a result of his fear of flying following the fatal plane crash he escaped last year along with friend Travis Barker. While experts say it is acceptable for some addicts suffering from pain and other trauma to use prescription medication — AM said he'd been sober for 11 years prior to his death — if used inappropriately or abused, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal narcotics, especially if used in combination with street drugs. 

• Remembering DJ AM

• DJ AM: A Life In Photos

• DJ AM

Kid Cudi
Photo: Chris Polk

When Kid Cudi performs with Wale and the go-go group UCB, the VMA house band, at Sunday's awards show, he will take some time out to remember 2008 house-band member DJ AM, who died unexpectedly last month.

"DJ AM was a good homie of mine, so we're going to do a little something for him," the VMA-nominated rapper told MTV News. "We doing this for AM. He had so much love."

For Cudi's time at the Video Music Awards, he plans to make sure his party is all about AM. "We're going to be celebrating his life," he said. "You know what I mean? It's going to be a great night, and I don't know about everybody else, but I'm celebrating the VMAs in memory of Adam Goldstein."

Wale spoke to MTV News after AM's death about picking up where Travis Barker and DJ AM left off last year. "AM was one of the greatest DJs I've ever seen play," he said. "Him and Travis had such a chemistry. [AM was] definitely one of the greater ears in music, and he's definitely underrated [as a DJ]."

Wale and UCB will also be joined by Solange Knowles, Pitbull and 3OH!3 for a series of originals and covers that will definitely keep the VMA crowd rocking all night. If Wale's VMA rehearsal Thursday was any indication, those covers could include songs by Britney Spears, Coldplay and Kings of Leon.

Watch the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Preshow this Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big event, live at 9 p.m. Check out our interactive map of New York to see how the city is celebrating the VMAs all week long, and stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more.

• Remembering DJ AM

• DJ AM: A Life In Photos

• Kid Cudi
• DJ AM

Hayley Wood attends the funeral of DJ AM on Wednesday
Photo: Jean Baptiste Lacroix/ WireImage

At DJ AM's memorial at the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday, the celebrity DJ's family and friends gathered to remember AM, who was found dead in his New York apartment less than a week before.

AM (born Adam Goldstein), who is suspected to have died of a drug overdose, had been sober for about a decade when he was found dead. The service, which was attended by ex-fiancée Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and other famous friends, was in the style of a 12-step meeting. AM's girlfriend, Hayley Wood, spoke at the memorial, People reported.

"I have never experienced anything quite like Adam Goldstein. He made me feel warm and whole," said Wood, who was one of the few people to speak, according to People's source. "He smelled soft. Adam was a remarkable human being, and so many have been blessed by his presence."

She went on to say that while they were together, "We talked of marriage and excitement of having children together. He would whisper in my ear sometimes before we went to sleep, 'Goodnight, my sweet angel.' Most mornings when I woke up, he'd make me toast and juice and say, 'Good morning, soul mate.' I will cherish the memories forever.

"Even though our time together was short, I would change nothing," Wood added. "The love I continue to feel for him and the love that we shared together will live with me and those who witnessed us together forever. ... I will never be the same without him. A part of me has passed away with him. Even the warmest of days will never compare to the warmth I felt when I touched him. He was my soul mate, and now he is my soul. He was my amazing grace."

During the service, the DJ booth where AM used to spin was left empty except for his laptop, headphones and two pairs of sneakers in his place.

• Remembering DJ AM
• DJ AM's Last Interview With MTV News

• Celebs, Fans Attend DJ AM's Memorial
• DJ AM: A Life In Photos
• Travis Barker, Hayley Wood Pay Their Respects To DJ AM

• DJ AM

Photo: Chris Weeks/ Getty Images

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Warren G says he still cannot believe his friend and colleague DJ AM is gone. The two were just rocking crowds together earlier this summer.

"Me and DJ AM, we done like five or six shows together recently," G told MTV News this week in New Mexico. "He was just an incredible dude. What tripped me out, what I liked about him, he was just sharp with everything he was doing. He was a die-hard hip-hop cat. When I seen him wear a 'This DJ' T-shirt, I knew this dude really loved what I do. I was already loving what he did. He was humble. We did a lot of great shows together with him and Travis, and I'll always treasure that.

"It hurts," Warren added of the loss. "God don't make no mistakes. He's in a better place. He's not in this B.S. that's going on now. He's away from it. I'mma always keep him in my heart and ride with him, no matter what. DJ AM for life!"

Warrens says he was especially grateful for his team-ups with AM at venues such as Coachella because it gave him a chance to touch younger audiences.

"He brought me into this new generation to rock with him," G said. "That's what I loved about him, and he was great dude, period. His technique [on the turntables] was genius. He could rock that electro and techno and house, but he was still able to ease in [hip-hop]. If it's Jay-Z or Snoop or Warren G or Dr. Dre or Rick Ross or whoever, he knew how to bring that hip-hop and knock it over that electro, techno. ... He was dope with that. He was an incredible DJ, man."

• Remembering DJ AM

• Celebs, Fans Attend DJ AM's Memorial

• DJ AM

The marquee outside of DJ AM's memorial at The Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Thursday
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images

While Michael Jackson was being buried in a lavish ceremony across town, friends, family and fans paid a final tribute to DJ AM (born Adam Goldstein) on Thursday night at the Hollywood Palladium, less than one week after the popular celebrity DJ was found dead in his New York apartment of an apparent drug overdose.

According to People, hundreds of invited guests and fans turned out to remember AM, 36, who was buried on Wednesday, among them former fiancée Nicole Richie and friends Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Eric Dane, Rebecca Gayheart and Robert Downey Jr. E! Online reported that the VIPs also included Dr. Drew Pinsky, Tom Arnold, Jon Favreau and Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath.

"He was my soulmate and now he is my soul," girlfriend Hayley Wood said during the two-and-a-half-hour memorial. "He is my amazing grace."

	Celebs, Fans Attend DJ AM's Memorial

Because of the anonymity requested by organizers to honor the structure of a 12-step meeting, no press was allowed into the event, and few details have emerged about what was said inside.

Radar Online reported that the 3,500 attendees also included John Mayer and that the event was organized by Hollywood club promoter Brent Bolthouse. While fans reportedly scrambled to get a seat in the venue, an eyewitness described the crowd as "very hip and eclectic," with some in T-shirts and jeans and others in black suits. "It was packed, though. You could tell how well loved he was," the witness told the site. "It was a very somber and sad crowd."

The Palladium was a fitting place for AM's final memorial, as it was the first venue he performed in following the South Carolina plane crash he and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker survived last September.

The New York City medical examiner's office has not yet determined a cause of death and is conducting further toxicology tests, but there were several reports from unnamed sources earlier this week that AM had more than half a dozen undigested OxyContin pills in his stomach and one in his mouth when police found him face down on his bed in his barricaded Soho apartment.

• Remembering DJ AM
• DJ AM's Last Interview With MTV News

• Celebs, Fans Attend DJ AM's Memorial
• DJ AM: A Life In Photos

• DJ AM
• Lindsay Lohan

Celebs, Fans Attend DJ AM's Memorial

• DJ AM

DJ AM: A Life In Photos

• DJ AM

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Travis Barker, DJ AM, More At KROQ's Weenie Roast 2009

• Kings Of Leon
• Rancid
• Weezer
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• Travis Barker

Maxim's Hot 100 Celebration With Ciara, Speidi And More

• Ciara
• DJ AM
• Nick Lachey

M.I.A., The Killers, Lupe Fiasco, More At Coachella 2009

• The Killers
• M.I.A.
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• Franz Ferdinand
• Public Enemy

2009 Grammy Weekend Parties

• Lil Wayne
• Rihanna
• Akon
• T.I.
• Cassie

Jay-Z, DJ AM Christen The New Hollywood Palladium

• DJ AM
• Jay-Z

DJ AM's Welcome Home Benefit Party

• DJ AM
• Hilary Duff
• Will.I.Am
• Black Eyed Peas
• Shwayze

People Magazine Features DJ AM

• DJ AM
• Travis Barker

DJ AM Shows Off His Massive Sneaker Collection

• DJ AM