British rapper Derek B passes away
British rapper Derek B has passed away aged 44 after suffering a heart attack. Derek Boland is said to have been taken to hospital yesterday but paramedics were unable to resuscitate him. Derek B was a pioneering figure on the British hip hop scene in the '80s. He started out as an A&R man, but recorded the single “Rock The Beat” when a proposed compilation ran short of tracks. Other famous tracks include “Good Groove”, “Get Down” and “Bad Young Brother." Derek B also co-wrote the lyrics for FC Liverpool’s “Anfield Rap”, as well as remixing and producing for acts including Eric B and Rakim.

Usher releasing new album Raymond V. Raymond in December
Usher is releasing his new album "Raymond V. Raymond" on December 21. The album’s lead single "Papers" is on number2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart in the US on number 32 on the regular singles chart.
Usher's last album "Here I Stand" from 2008 sold 1.2 million copies.

Peter Gabriel covers Radiohead, David Bowie, Paul Simon and Neil Young
Peter Gabriel has confirmed the tracklisting for his upcoming covers album “Scratch My Back.” The 12-track album is released on January 25, and is the first in a number of planned releases that will see Gabriel and other artists reinterpret each others' songs. Among the songs featuring on Gabriel’s new album are Radiohead's “Street Spirit,” David Bowie’s “Heroes” Paul Simo’s “'The Boy In The Bubble” and Neil Young’s “Philadelphia.”

The Judds reuniting next year
According to Wynonna Judd, the Judds, she and her mother, Naomi, will return to the music scene in 2010. After 25 years she says “It just feels like it's the right time.” Wynonna has asked mother Naomi to join her on her annual A Classic Christmas Tour next year as she likes to plan a year in advance. Meanhwile, Wynonna has also started work on a follow-up to this year's covers album "Sing: Chapter 1."