Nick Lachey back in High School...Kanye West Animated and more Jim Jones...

I just got back from checking out the Jim Jones Documentary "This is Jim Jones" at the Sony Building and I came out of it feeling like there is so much more to this guy if only he embraces the blessings! I got the impression that Jim Jones is finally learning how to leave the streets behind and I hope that I'm right, after all he is now in the company of heavy hitters.

Even Damon Dash, his mentor and partner gets a bit nervous when he brings him into more "stush" settings-"I wouldn't want him to wild out on Anna Wintour," states Damon, after introducing Jones to an intimate set of fashion heavies including the famed Vogue Editor, during a fashion week event.

Dash had reason to be nervous, after all Jones is known for his verbal attacks, and no holds barred behavior.  To put it bluntly, he's a street dude and he doesn't hide it.  The doc takes you inside the uncomfortable moments of a rapper on a rise and a his evolution into a business man. 

Jim Jones is making it clear that he is focusing on life after rap-with an off-Broadway play (Hip Hop Monologues), an album (Pray for Reign) on the horizon and this intimate documentary following closely behind, there's no doubt that Jim is a man determined to win!

Moving right along, it just came across my desk that Nick Lachey is the creator and Executive Producer behind the new reality musical series "Taking the Stage" in partnership with MTV.  The series is the first of it's kind which premieres March 19th.

Here's the news hot off the press: "In the premiere episode, SCPA students are buzzing about an upcoming school talent showcase where the students will get to perform in front of judges made-up of music industry professionals including an executive from Jive Records. Tyler is new to the school and while Malik's and Shaakira's dance crew is the reigning hip-hop troupe in the school, he's more than ready to give them some long-overdue competition. Jasmine finds herself torn between her growing attraction to Tyler and her loyalty to Malik.

Mia is working on an original song she wants to perform but wonders if her boyfriend will be there for her on the biggest night of her life. In order to perform well and get what could be their first big break, these students will have to fight through the personal drama in order to focus and impress the judges on show night."

Sounds like the hit 80's show FAME all over again...which is actually being remade with original cast member Debbie Allen as the "Principal Simms" and actress Naturi Naughton (who played Lil' Kim in Notorious).

Speaking of TV Shows, Kanye West joins the cast of The Cleveland Show--the highly anticipated FAMILY GUY spin-off set to debut this fall on FOX.  West will appear as "Kenny West", an all-around cool kid and the archenemy of "Cleveland Jr." (Kevin Michael Richardson), and the two will engage in a "rap battle" for the affection of high school hottie.  Sanaa Lathan (Love & Basketball) also stars as one of the "voices" in the show.

Until Next time...see you in the city! Dominga-