112 are currently working on a new album titled U Already Know which will be released in March. The group's two singles  "If I Can Hit" ft T.I. and "Let This Go" are already making a buzz on the radio and mixtapes.

Presale tickets are available at all Ticketmaster Locations, HECHTS, online at ticketmaster.com, by phone charge at 202-397-SEAT, or at DAR -Constitution Hall Box Office on the day of the show.

Black History Entertainment

Mos Def and Macy Gray will star in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues. The movie which is produced by Halle Berry tells an inspiring story of coming of age, of a mother/son love that transcends biological ties, and of an extraordinary woman who built a community and circumvented segregation in her own determined way. The movie also stars Louis Gossett, Jr., Delroy Lindo, Rosie Perez , Jimmy Smits and will premiere omFebruary 12 at 8pm.

The Next One*

Russell Simmons is being mentioned as the next leader of the NAACP. Former president Kweisi Mfume resigned from his post in November. The NAACP's Connecticut chapter president, Scot X. Esdaile, feels that Russell could help the organization appeal to a new generation. "[He could] bring the young people into the association," he says. Russell wasn't available for comment.

Life Or Death***

After fallen seriously ill in the past year, former Slum Village and A Tribe Called Quest producer Jay Dee aka J Dilla has reportedly been hospitalized and remains in critical condition.

The Roots drummer ?uestlove posted the news on the Okayplayer website -- asking the users to pray for the producer who is presently in and out of a coma. According to ?uest, Dilla was found in a near coma and rushed to the hospital. Though he was put on a respirator and came through several hours ago, Dilla's life is still believed to be in jeopardy.

While details on his condition are still sketchy, ?uestlove alluded to the beat maker needing a new liver. The Detroit musician has had health problems in the past year. The usually slim Jay Dee appeared to have gained massive weight when posing alongside partner Mad Lib on the cover of URB magazine's March 2004 issue.

In recent months, the producer has been working on several projects including Common's upcoming Be alongside Kanye West.

Legal Drama**

Mary J. Blige, Eve and  Dr. Dre are being sued by Madonna's publishing company for copyright infringement. The case centers on MJB's song "Not Today," which is featured on the Barbershop 2 soundtrack. According to the suit, the publishers claim that "Not Today" sounds similar to Madonna's 1983 club hit "Holiday." Both parties had no comment on the matter.

On Tour:

Atmosphere  will be heading to New Zealand for a short tour. The acclaimed group will also play six days on the Big Day Out Festival which also features The Beastie Boys.  Here is the tour schedule according to the groups official website:

1/20/2005 - Auckland, NZ @ 4:20
1/21/2005 - Auckland, NZ @ AUCKLAND ERICSSON STADIUM
1/22/2005 - Brisbane, Australia @ The Zoo
1/23/2005 - Gold Coast, Australia @ Gold Coast Parklands
1/26/2005 - Sydney, Australia @ Sydney Showground
1/27/2005 - Sydney, Australia @ Sydney Festival @ Becks Festival Bar
1/30/2005 - Melbourne, Australia @ Melbourne Ras Showgrounds
1/31/2005 - Melbourne, Australia @ The Corner Hotel
2/04/2005 - Adelaide, Australia @ Royal Adelaide Showgrounds
2/06/2005 - Perth, Australia @ Claremont Showgrounds

Atmosphere will begin their US Spring Tour in Madison, WI on March 1, 2005.

Credit: Newsday*/ Celebrity Justice**/ SOHH***