See why we’re having home fries with our brew:
• Beyoncé has dollar signs in her eyes this morning. The dancing diva inked a $50 million Pepsi deal. Not only does her deal include backing for standard commercials and advertising, but the company will invest in many of her upcoming creative projects. “Pepsi embraces creativity and understands that artists evolve,” said Beyoncé. “As a businesswoman, this allows me to work with a lifestyle brand with no compromise and without sacrificing my creativity.” In other Beyoncé news, she’s expected to perform in Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve for a reported $4 million. Will you be attending the two-hour show in Sin City? [NY Times] [Global Grind]
• The Los Angeles Police Department apologized to Christopher Wallace “a.k.a Notorious B.I.G.’s” family for prematurely releasing the rapper’s gruesome autopsy report. The department is labeling the incident an “administrative error.” They hoped it would generate more interest in the crime and “bring forth witnesses or clues in the case.” [E! Online]
• Naomi Campbell celebrated the most recent leg of her boyfriend Vladimir Doronin’s 50th birthday party in Miami on crutches. The super model reportedly tore a ligament. However, that didn’t stop her from partying at Diddy’s Star Island mansion and inviting Kanye West, Lenny Kravitz, Russell Simmons and many others to enjoy the fun. [NY Posts]
• Michael Clarke Duncan’s final film, The Hive, opens in select theaters this Friday. It co-stars Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox and many more. It follows a troubled young man who is sent to an all-boys school where he meets Duncan’s character, Mr. Hollins. Duncan was 54 when he passed away in September. [BET]
• Madison Square Garden’s “12-12-12” Hurricane Sandy relief concert will be the largest musical broadcast event in history. Nearly two billion people in more than 190 countries will have the opportunity to stream the concert. So far, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, The Rolling Stones and more are set to perform. [Hollywood Reporter]