J-pop producer Komuro charged, released on bail (AP)

AP - Top-selling Japanese music producer Tetsuya Komuro was formally charged with fraud Friday in a scandal that has tarnished the image of a star whose songs once dominated Japan's pop music scene.

Michael Jackson's assistant: Sheik gave him gifts (AP)

AP - Michael Jackson's former personal assistant told a British court Friday that a Bahraini sheik who is now suing the singer was a generous friend, eager to give Jackson money and other gifts.

Jack White, Alicia Keys hit chart with Bond theme (Reuters)
Reuters - Recording a James Bond theme is not a guarantee for chart success -- just ask Tina Turner ("Goldeneye"), a-ha ("The Living Daylights") or Sheryl Crow ("Tomorrow Never Dies").

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Pete Wentz have baby boy (AP)

AP - Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz are the proud parents of a baby boy, and they're celebrating with some Bronx cheer.

Taco Bell to 50 Cent: You're a Gangsta Wannabe (E! Online)

E! Online - Taco Bell is using fightin' words in its latest beef with 50 Cent, calling him out as "a self-described former drug dealer and hustler" and otherwise faux gangsta.

`Chinese Democracy' album: a 17-year evolution (AP)

AP - When the last new Guns N' Roses album came out, there were no iPods or digital downloads. There was no "American Idol." No music blogs. No MySpace.

Slash releases video supporting gay marriage (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash has released a video in support of gay marriage.

Sean Stewart settles case over fight (AP)

AP - A case against Rod Stewart's son over a brawl at a Hollywood nightclub has been resolved.

Next Stop for Britney: The American Music Awards? (E! Online)

E! Online - Will Britney Spears be the big surprise at Sunday's American Music Awards?

Dr Pepper to deliver on its free-soda promise (AP)

AP - Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality.